All want slice of China's new-energy car market

BAIC's E150REEV, an A0-level range-extended electric vehicle displayed at the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 2012)on April 23. [Photo / chinadaily.com.cn]

Many Chinese local automakers are displaying their new-energy vehicles at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, showcasing their intention to follow the trend and gain a stake in the world's largest auto market.

BAIC Group will launch its E150REEV, an A0-level range-extended electric vehicle within this year, Zhang Zhaolong, an engineer with BAIC told chinadaily.com.cn on April 23 at the auto show in Beijing. Zhang said the car will have a price advantage after gaining subsidiaries, compared with other A0-level sedans.

First Automobile Works (FAW Group)is also developing an electric car under the brand Hongqi, or Red Flag. New Hongqi sedans made by FAW Group are likely to be used as standard ministerial-level officials cars. But the date that the electric car will be ready for the market is unknown, an employee of the FAW Group told chinadaily.com.cn on April 23 at the auto show.

However, many of electric cars are not mature enough to be put on the market immediately, according to sources at BAIC Group, Lifan Auto,FAW Group and Brilliance Auto.

The auto show will be held between April 23 and May 2.