China to oversee clean energy car development
- Source: CCTV.com
- [13:26 September 09 2009]
- Comments
The Ministry of Industry and Information and Technology (MIIT) says there are still problems with the further development of clean energy cars, despite recent progress in the industry.
The Director of the Department of Industrial Policies of the MIIT, Xin Guobin, made the remark at an auto forum in Tianjin Sunday. He warned that the sector should stay alert for redundant construction and over-capacity.
Xin says the development of clean energy cars is at the forefront of the global auto industry. Both the Chinese government and local enterprises are focused on the production of clean energy cars in the country. However, he notes that despite great achievements, problems still exist.
"The first problem is the imperfect system of evaluation. Different companies have adopted different technology. Traditional standards can't be used anymore. But it will still take some time to work out new standards,” he says.
In light of these issues, the director says the ministry will enhance market entry management for clean energy cars. And an evaluation system will also be established.
The senior official also pointed out that big gaps still exist between China and western countries in related technology. In addition, the random production of clean energy cars in China also poses a threat to the sector.
"Currently, many regions and companies nationwide have started producing clean energy cars. Some of these do not even possess the basic conditions necessary for production. This not only wastes technology and capital, but also raises potential risks of redundant construction and over-capacity."
To tackle the issue, the ministry will raise the technological threshold while defining market standards.
"It's necessary to create certain technological standards,” said Xin. “They should be different from traditional auto industry rules. This is to ensure that clean energy cars not only meet safety and environment requirements, but also will not threaten consumers' lives and property."
Xin says the ministry will also enhance supervision of the industry. It will work together with local governments to improve the sector's infrastructure development in a bid to boost the popular appeal of clean energy cars.
