The Guangzhou International Auto Show is in full swing. and one of the highlights is the number of electric and hybrid cars on show. Our reporter Ning Hong is there for us, and has been speaking to car makers and customers, to find out how much of an impact greener powered vehicles are making within the Chinese auto market.
They're no longer just a concept. Manufacturers are throwing money into developing electric and hybrid cars.
We have invested in hybrid as well as purely electric cars. The commercialization has just started. We sell three to four thousand of them a year now. Most domestic producers are at the initial stage, but the potential is big." Huang Huaqiong, Ass?t Gen. Manager of Chery Automobile Sales Co., ltd, said.
But that potential is still limited by technology and supporting facilities.
"I think cruise distance is very important, as well as whether it is convenient to recharge. And safety is also a concern for me." Car show visitor said.
Mr. Cao's company supplies parts for this hybrid car.
"I think hybrid cars are a more practical choice, because pure electric car are too expensive." Mr Cao, Car part supplier said.
This car sells for 300 thousand yuan, even with a subsidy. It is still too expensive for most buyers.
Last year, the government issued plans to promote green energy cars. Now, severe air pollution is prompting many local authorities to start putting less polluting vehicles into the public transport system.