Changan to launch hybrid-electric vehicle

Chinese carmaker Chongqing Changan Auto launched its newly developed Jiexun-HEV gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle in May. The Jiexun, the company asserted, is the first hybrid-electric vehicle produced in China with a hybrid drive system that has been completely locally procured. The vehicle was developed over the past six years and is set to be a mass-produced model, with the first 10 units currently being manufactured exclusively for the China State Council and the Chinese cabinet. Meanwhile, media reports said Changan will likely jointly develop its Yuexiang pure-electric vehicle with an unnamed American company in the near future. Changan is looking to take advantage of the Chinese government’s increased focus on the development of more fuel-efficient and alternative-powertrain vehicles in the country in a bid to reduce vehicle emissions and improve the competitiveness of local automakers in other global markets. In order to aid its plans further, Changan is negotiating with potential partners towards promoting its hybrid technologies and with Chongqing Bus Company to use its sedan hybrid technology. (April 3, 2009)