The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has
approved a group of new vehicles including 17 sedan models made by
domestic manufacturers, said the commission yesterday.
The approval cleared the way for the automakers to put their new
products on the market. According to relevant regulations, all auto
vehicles and motorcycles need approval and publication by the
national administrator before mass production and sales.
On the 160th series of the approved vehicles catalog, the NDRC
granted permits to automobiles, motorcycles, tricycle autos and
low-speed trucks.
The 17 new sedan models include two 2008 Geely Jingang models
from Zhejiang Haoqing, a subsidiary of Geely Holding Group; one
Haima model from FAW Haima Automobile; two Yaris models from
Guangzhou Toyota; one Lifan model from Chongqing Lifan; two Focus
models and two Mazda models from Changan Ford Mazda; two Changan
models from Chongqing Changan; two low-emission BYD-F1 models from
BYD Auto; and one A1 model and three A3 models from Chery
Automobile.
Besides a few completely new models, the majority of the 17
models are upgraded products from existing models. Of the models,
11 are designed with China's own intellectual property rights.
Chinese automakers are now competing in the market releasing new
models, with around 100 each year in the past five years. According
to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, Chinese
carmakers put 90 new models on the market, including some 20
completely new ones.
(Chinadaily.com.cn February 19, 2008)
