| Chinese hybrid model debuts in SH GM green plan |
| Last Updated(Beijing Time):2008-01-23 11:40 |
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Shanghai General Motors Corp debuted its first Chinese-made hybrid model yesterday even as it announced an aggressive strategy in developing fuel economy and low emission vehicles in the world's second largest auto market.
The 2.4-liter Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid would be the first mass produced hybrid sedan in China's mid-to-high class segment, according to Ding Lei, general manager of Shanghai GM, the flagship venture of General Motors Corp and SAIC China's Motor Corp.
Ding said the model could reduce fuel consumption by 15 percent to 8.3 liters for every 100 kilometers, adding its price would be very competitive when it hits the market in the middle of this year.
The introduction of the LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid is part of Shanghai GM's ambitious plan to gain advantage in rolling out green vehicles in China for energy security and environment protection.
"Amid record high oil prices, Shanghai GM aims to increase its sales by changing the distorted gas-guzzled brand image of US models into a more fuel economy market player in China,"said Dong Jianhua, an auto analyst from Southwest Securities Co Ltd.
"The green energy strategy also echoes the government's intention and would help the car maker to gain a political advantage," he added.
In Shanghai GM's green-energy program, dubbed as Drive-to-Green strategy, the car maker pledged to introduce fuel economy and low emission engine technologies from this year including 1.2-liter S-TEC engine, HFV6 3.6-liter SIDI engine and Two-Mode hybrid system.
The blueprint is also subject to meeting higher emission standards and the introduction of another 11 advanced engines during 2009 to 2012.
Meanwhile, Shanghai GM also said up to 95 percent of materials and energy used may be able to be recycled by 2012 and more than 150 local suppliers would join in its Green Supply Chain project in China during the same period to streamline operation. |
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