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Xu Ping: Priority should be given to the development of natural gas and hybrid vehicles
Xu Ping, the general manager of Dongfeng Motor, has put forward a proposal suggesting that natural gas and hybrid vehicles should be prioritized for development. His reasoning is based on three key factors.
First, the fundamental technologies for both natural gas and hybrid vehicles are well-established or at least clearly defined. This makes them not only practical in today's context but also promising for future growth. They strike a balance between immediate needs and long-term goals, increasing the likelihood of successful implementation with relatively low risk.
Second, these types of vehicles offer significant energy-saving benefits and help reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels. In addition to lowering emissions, they deliver better economic and social returns, making them an attractive option for sustainable development.
Third, natural gas is a resource that is more abundant and easier to access compared to oil, and it comes at a lower cost. Hybrid vehicles, on the other hand, combine the strengths of conventional and electric vehicles, allowing for a smoother transition from oil-dependent models to those powered by alternative fuels—without incurring high costs.
Xu Ping emphasized that, based on global trends and lessons from pilot projects in China, the focus should be on developing natural gas vehicles with electronically controlled single-fuel systems. When setting technical standards and regulations for hybrid vehicles, he advocated for using China’s own developed products that have been tested in real-world conditions, rather than relying heavily on foreign models or joint-venture products.
In response, experts note that China’s automotive industry has taken two major approaches to implement this strategy. First, it is enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions in traditional vehicle production, aiming for greener manufacturing and usage. Second, it is actively promoting the development of clean, alternative fuel (new energy) vehicles.
Formulating a realistic, clear, and focused automotive technology strategy centered around clean alternative fuels is crucial for China’s future. Specifically, defining the short-term priorities—around the next five years—for the development of such vehicles is a top national concern. After evaluating various alternatives, Xu Ping’s suggestion to prioritize natural gas and hybrid vehicles appears to be the most practical and achievable path forward.