China unveils 5th batch of subsidized energy-efficient autos

The fifth batch of energy-efficient autos to enjoy Chinese government subsidy was revealed on February 16 in a catalogue on the website of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), jointly issued by the NDRC, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the Ministry of Finance. Different from the previous four batches, the new catalogue lists a total of 69 models of energy-efficient vehicles including a number of new models that are yet to enter the market. Together with the previous four catalogues, China to date has designated a total of 341 models as qualified energy-efficient autos to receive the 3,000 yuan (US$456) governmental subsidy for purchase of every gasoline or diesel fueled passenger vehicle that has a displacement of less than 1.6 liters and whose general fuel consumption is about 20% lower than the existing standard. (February 17, 2011)