It seems the Chinese can't get past the sticker shock of the price tags on hybrid cars. This is partly due to the tariffs implemented on parts for such versions at the Prius.
Gas prices in China have risen by 9% (but are still 18% less than the US). And through our readings we know that China has the ranking of worst air and water quality. It seems that these factors should increase an interest in hybrids.
Attempts are still being made by China. GM will produce a hybrid in China. Hybrid taxis will be used for the Beijing Olympics.
As a Prius owner, you have to look past the original cost and look to a future of lower emissions and less use of gas.
(See the BusinessWeek article "Rough Road for Hybrids in China" for more information)
1 comment:
Angie,
I noted what you had said about the lower cost of gasoline in China, which makes it more difficult to introduce hybrids and other high fuel efficiency technologies.
I have just read in the February 28, 2008 issue of Business Week in an article "The Squeeze on PetroChina" that the company is forced to sell gasoline internally at lower costs than is set by the price of the oil that they purchase on the international market. In other words, the company is forced to subsidize the consumer. (Sorry, I couldn't link to the article! There doesn't seem to be any way to set up a link in the comments.)
Norm
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