ID :
207241
Thu, 09/15/2011 - 06:40
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/207241
The shortlink copeid
Honda to Produce Hybrid Vehicles in China
Beijing (Jiji Press) - Honda Motor Co. <7267> said Wednesday it plans to start production of hybrid vehicles in China in two or three years.
The move is aimed at meeting an anticipated surge in demand for fuel-efficient vehicles in the country as Beijing is expected to impose tougher mileage requirements than those in Europe.
The Japanese automaker plans to launch five hybrid vehicles, including the Insight and Fit models, in the Chinese market next year.
Initially, the company will sell only imported vehicles. To reduce prices, it will then start local final assembly.
For the future, it is also eyeing local procurement and production of batteries and motors.
The Chinese government is expected to ask foreign automakers to transfer environmental technology due to concerns that tougher fuel efficiency requirements could force technologically inferior domestic automakers out of the market.
Seiji Kuraishi, chief operating officer of Honda's China operations, said that the company may eventually need to provide technologies in some way.
He also said Honda makes hybrids a mainstream of alternative-energy vehicles in China, pointing out that the popularization of electric vehicles still faces difficulties in terms of travel distance, charging times and infrastructures, given the vastness of the country.
The move is aimed at meeting an anticipated surge in demand for fuel-efficient vehicles in the country as Beijing is expected to impose tougher mileage requirements than those in Europe.
The Japanese automaker plans to launch five hybrid vehicles, including the Insight and Fit models, in the Chinese market next year.
Initially, the company will sell only imported vehicles. To reduce prices, it will then start local final assembly.
For the future, it is also eyeing local procurement and production of batteries and motors.
The Chinese government is expected to ask foreign automakers to transfer environmental technology due to concerns that tougher fuel efficiency requirements could force technologically inferior domestic automakers out of the market.
Seiji Kuraishi, chief operating officer of Honda's China operations, said that the company may eventually need to provide technologies in some way.
He also said Honda makes hybrids a mainstream of alternative-energy vehicles in China, pointing out that the popularization of electric vehicles still faces difficulties in terms of travel distance, charging times and infrastructures, given the vastness of the country.
