Chen Jiachang, Department of High and New Technology Development and Industrialization, the Ministry of Science and Technology said:

Automotive industry is one of the pillar industries of China. Accelerating the R & D of fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles with independent intellectual properties and brands to improve the core competitiveness of Chinese automotive industry in the world is an urgent task. Chinese fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles will be developed at a rapid pace under supports and cooperation of the relevant departments, research institutes and manufactures.