Sales of low-emission cars in China plummeted 11.67 percent in the first half of the year as a damning instance choosing social status over environmental concerns.

 

The dip in sales went against the general flow of car sales in China, which increased by almost 30 percent year on year, reported the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

 

In Beijing alone, low-emission car sales dropped 25 percent, commented Su Hui, head of Yayuncun automobile market.

 

"When consumers purchase automobiles, they go for the automobiles that will reflect favorably on their 'face' and social status. Due to this, larger vehicles, more expensive models and famous brands are usually preferred," Su explained.

 

The Yayuncun automobile market posted no low-emission cars in its top 20 best sellers with Xiali and QQ, both in 2006's list, dropping out.

 

A survey, undertaken by Sinotrust Marketing Research & Consulting Company and which polled 15,000 potential consumers, said less than 20 percent would consider low-emission cars with the vast majority going for quality and social status first.

 

One consumer surveyed indicated that her initial desire to buy a low-emission car was forgotten when she found out it performed poorly in terms of operation, comfort, and safety compared to larger vehicles.

 

Many low-emission cars, including Chery QQ and Changan Alto, are still not at the Euro III emission standard yet. Some are also being withdrawn from sales in Beijing due to lacking OBD (On-Board Diagnostics), a device which enables real-time monitoring of emissions.

 

Lang Xuehong, leader of Sinotrust's automotive department, announced that many manufacturers did not wish to invest in low-emission car research and development given the relatively small profit margin they could earn as a result.

 

"If any domestically-produced low-emission car could one day rival performances of cars such as the Volkswagen Beetle or BMW Mini, it would be an instant success," Lang said.

 

"It needs the joint efforts of the automobile manufacturers and consumers to expand the low-emission car market in addition to the government's promotion. Enhancing its performance and reducing prices are the only ways to increase their market share," he added.

 

Currently, Chinese low-emission cars vary from 30,000 to 40,000 yuan (US$3,966.94-5289.26), while the imported Beatles or Mini Coopers hover around the 300,000-400,000 yuan range, nearly 10 times higher.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 24, 2007)