China gears for 60,000 by 2012

China is gearing up efforts to make alternative-fuel vehicles available in the country. The Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) said the government expects 60,000 alternative-fuel vehicles are expected to be on Chinese roads by 2012 as part of the nation’s environmental efforts..China had made saving energy, reducing emissions and using renewable energy sources a strategic plan to achieve sustainable development and would use various means to provide financial support to small and medium-sized companies involved in energy conservation and environmental protection. It would also give tax benefits and direct subsidies to the production, sale and use of alternative-energy vehicles and “green” home appliances. One such measure is being considered by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). According to MIIT, the government would provide a subsidy worth between RMB10,000 (US$1,463) and 50,000 (US$7,319) per vehicle based on fuel efficiency. As such, MIIT is working with MST on classifying efficiency levels of cars on the market. (March 19/23, 2009)