China will introduce a new subsidy scheme that will raise the threshold for carmakers qualifying for incentives for energy-efficient vehicles as the government bids to encourage industrial restructuring among the manufacturers.

The new subsidy scheme, starting in October, will allow carmakers to receive a subsidy of 3,000 yuan (US$469) on cars with engine capacity of 1.6 liters or less and consume no more than 6.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, said Xiang Dihai, an official with the Ministry of Finance during a recent industry forum.

The existing scheme, introduced in June last year, offers incentives to models that consume less than 6.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers.

"The central government will continue to support the development of energy-efficient vehicles, which not only helps boost vehicle consumption but also promotes industrial restructuring," Xiang said.

China has been encouraging carmakers to roll out more fuel-efficient vehicles as its rapidly expanding automobile number places a heavy burden on environment protection.

The present subsidy scheme lifted sales by 2.15 million units after nearly a year of operation, Xiang said.