Chinese automakers going hybrid crazy

Another Chinese-made hybrid

At least four different Chinese automakers have now developed their own proprietary hybrid technology for various hybrid vehicles.

The latest is Chang'an Automotive Group, a partner of Ford and Suzuki, which will produce the Jiexun HEV that is supposed to achieve a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy over a conventional Jiexun according to InsideLine.

More important, it will cost far less than Chinese-made Toyota Prius hybrids - at least in China.

A couple more Chinese hybrids in the works

Hybrid vehicle plans from Dongfeng and FAW

Two Chinese automakers have announced plans for a few new hybrid cars. The Dongfen EQ7200HEV hybrid is planned for 2009 and is expected to cost around $30,000. Additionally, FAW is planning a hybrid version of the Besturn, pictured, also for around $30,000. (more)

Chinese hybrid vehicles coming to America soon?

China is the future of the auto market and Chinese automakers are quickly developing hybrids

At the Shanghai Auto Show this week, China is largely attempting to demonstrate that China is the future of the world's automotive sector. However, China isn't just going to be a consumer - a spectator. Instead, China wants to be a major automobile manufacturer. Even more alarming, Chinese automakers aren't just pursuing cheap automobiles, they are pursuing next generation technologies, such as hybrid vehicles.

For example, the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC)will display the latest prototype of the Roewe 750 gas-electric hybrid vehicle that the company plans to begin selling in 2008. In addition, Chery will display a hybrid version of the Chery A5 sedan at the Shanghai show as well. Finally, Chang'an will show a hybrid version of its multipurpose Jiexun, which the company plans to begin selling next year for $12,000 - $19,000.

As the Insideline noted, "It won't be long before Chinese hybrids are running on American highways."

Isn't it kind of embarrassing that more American-made hybrids are not on the roads of the U.S.?

Chinese slow to adapt to hybrids

For a country where most people ride bikes and don't own an automobile, its no surprise that the $40,000 Toyota Prius (cost in China) is a slow mover in China. While the government of China has been trying to get some control over pollution and global warming, it is not yet providing many incentives for consumers to help. Let's not forget we're talking about a country that is building a coal powered energy plant every 3 days. Eventually, however, China will have to take the threat posed by vehicle emissions to their country seriously.

For more on China and hybrid cars, check out Toyota Prius sales lag in China.

First Chinese produced hybrid vehicle hits autoshow

China's Chery Automobile has announced its plan to present the first Chinese produced hybrid vehicle at the Auto China 2006 Show in Beijing next week. Another Chinese automaker, Geely Automobile, has also announced plans for its first hybrid model.

(Source: Jalopnik)