Geely unveils new-energy vehicles at China Auto 2010

• Source: Global Times
• [11:12 April 24 2010]
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By Zhu Shanshan

A highlight at China Auto 2010 in Beijing, Geely premiered five alternative-fuel vehicles on Friday, the opening day of the auto show, reflecting this year's theme of clean transportation.

Geely, a Chinese auto brand barely known abroad before it signed a deal to buy Sweden's Volvo from Ford, is showing 55 of its own models, including 11 new vehicles in this year's exhibition.

This year, Geely showcases two electric vehicles, the EK-1 and EK-2, which can reach speeds of 80 km/h and 150 km/h respectively. The domestic carmaker also released a vehicle model with GSC (Geely Intelligent Stop-Go System) and two plug-in hybrid vehicle models, with one called the EC8 fitted with a 2.4L engine to effectively challenge international premium alternative energy vehicles.

These five alternative fuel vehicle models are expected to be marketed in two years, according to the company's statement.

Featuring "For A Green Tomorrow" as its slogan, China Auto 2010 presents 95 alternative energy vehicles and 65 concept cars. Chinese automakers like Geely are pinning their hopes on developing cleaner cars to propel them into a leading position to compete with international brands.

"Compared with traditional technology, we have a smaller gap with well-known automakers abroad. In some fields, we could be even better than them, such like the go-stop system we developed," said Zhao Fuquan, vice president of Geely Holding and also in charge of the technology department. "We have a capability to compete with international automakers in the field of developing alternative energy vehicles," he said during a press conference at the auto show Friday.

While the Chinese government is determined to produce more new-energy cars as a way to improve air quality, a plan to subsidize green-car drivers is expected to be released later this year to make alternative power vehicles affordable.

Though the benefit may come from government's subsidy policy, Geely doesn't expect it will solely boost the sales of alternative-energy vehicles in a dramatic way, as the development of new-energy cars could only be attained by the combined efforts of consumers, automakers and the government.

"That's why we highlight our technical edge in safety, green performance as well as energy efficiency," said Zhao.