China seeks public opinion on proposed fuel economy rating

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in July sought public opinion regarding a proposed administrative rule that would require light vehicle manufacturers to indicate the vehicle’s fuel economy rating. The new rules being proposed will cover vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tons, whether gasoline or diesel engines, sold within the country. The rules are planned for implementation by January 1, 2010. MIIT will designate special institutions to test vehicles’ fuel economy rating and related data. The new rule, MIIT said, will aid consumers, as well as the government, in procuring energy-efficient cars. (July 6, 2009)