Faced with consistent fuel price rises and the much-anticipated
fuel tax, many Chinese have refrained from buying private
vehicles.
According to a recent survey conducted by www.chinadaily.com.cn,
732, or 50.69 percent, of the 1,444 respondents said they will not
purchase a car now, 231 gave no comment, while 481, or 33.31
percent, indicated they want to buy a private car.
An auto show attracts many
visitors in Jinan, Shandong Province.
Fuel prices have risen persistently both internationally and
domestically, and the government is looking for an appropriate time
to impose a tax on gasoline, diesel and kerosene to encourage
energy conservation and reduce emissions.
Respondents, who chose not to buy cars, listed various reasons
for their decision, which involved environmental protection, energy
consumption, traffic jams, parking problems, improvements in public
transportation, as well as low income.
"Not money, but environment," one respondent said, a view shared
by many others.
China has about 50 million vehicles on its roads. Fuel
consumption of vehicles accounts for a third of the total, and is
estimated to rise to 57 percent by 2020. Vehicle emissions have
replaced coal to become the main source of air pollution in some
big cities.
A respondent called on people to use buses, the metro, bicycles
or even walk. "I like walking, it would be better not only for the
environment but for health too."
Key cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou have taken
active measures to develop public transport. Metro fares in Beijing
were cut by more than 30 percent this month while bus fares were
slashed by more than 60 percent in January. A one-way metro ticket
now costs only 2 yuan, about the price of a can of Coke,
irrespective of the length of the journey.
Many respondents believe some buy cars just to show off. "I hate
the idea of a car as a status symbol," said one participant. "Fuel
prices, traffic jams and parking problems have to be taken into
consideration when one plans to buy a car. In most cases, these
disadvantages outweigh the advantages of owning a car."
But vehicle sales have risen fast in China. In the first eight
months of this year, sales rose by a quarter, boosted by the rapid
growth of the economy as well as new offerings and price
incentives. It's estimated that full-year sales will exceed 9
million units, up from 7.22 million last year.
As the world's second largest consumer and the third biggest
producer of cars, China is now reportedly the No 1 potential
market.
Respondents who insisted on owning cars said they want cars for
convenience and for practical reasons.
A respondent pointed out that his/her priority is convenience.
"So it makes no difference if the oil price goes up a little."
Some participants' new houses are far from downtown Beijing,
where they work, as houses are more affordable in these areas. So
they want private vehicles for the daily commute. "Apartments in
the city center are too expensive, which forced me to pick a
suburban area," complained a respondent.
"It's more convenient to have your own car for short trips out
of the city with family," said another.
Along with increases in disposable income and improvement in
living standards, travel has become one of the major relaxation
activities for Chinese, with the trend of self-driven tours to
neighboring rural areas over weekends and holidays growing.
But some respondents confided they wanted their own car to
fulfill their "dream".
"I have been dreaming of a car for many years. If I can afford
it, why not?" said one.
(China Daily October 26, 2007)
