Car manufacturers to 'go green' with local authorities

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Anhui Province has been designated as a national pilot region for innovation by the Chinese government. Among the key industries that serve as drivers of innovation, the automotive sector is making great strides to showcase Chinese technology and ingenuity.

These motor companies are expanding in emerging markets like countries along the Belt and Road, as well as BRICS nations.

Anhui Jianghuai or JAC Motors in Hefei City is popular for high quality and high practicality, since its establishment in 1964. It is recognized for heavy-duty commercial vehicles and trucks. JAC has been continually upgrading its brand over the years. In 2002, it started producing passenger vehicles.

Last year, JAC sold 640,000 passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Massive sales helped it find place in the top 10 largest-selling Chinese brands. Technological innovation is at the core of JAC. It gives priority to passenger safety, security and energy efficiency.

The director of JAC Motors’ New Energy Vehicle R&D Institute, Zhao Jiuzhi, recounted how the company started with one alternative energy vehicle model 7 years ago. Now, they have seven.

"We started electric vehicles R&D in 2010. Since then, 7 model with 40,000 new energy cars have come into the market. Also, we increased battery safety technology."

Meanwhile, South of Hefei, in the city of Wuhu, another car manufacturing company is slowly garnering global attention. Chery Automobile Company began producing passenger cars in 1999. In 2012, it manufactured around 590,000 units, making it China’s 10th largest automaker that year. One of Chery's strategic goals is to expand in developing countries. Since 2003, it has been China’s top auto exporter.

Setting up factories and selling vehicles in BRICS member-countries is no coincidence for Chery. Existing cooperation between China and these countries has actually served as a springboard for Chery's further international expansion.

Today, Chery has factories in several countries, including Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Venezuela and Vietnam

Feng Ping, Vice President of Chery’s International Department, revealed why the company chose to set up shop in these countries.

"We have much in common with these emerging market countries, including our culture and laws, which helps us expand our international market."

But neither JAC nor Chery are stopping there. Both companies have taken a step into the future by embarking on all-electric or alternative-energy vehicle programs. Chery introduced its electric car in 2009. After a year, it produced the electric car on mass level. JAC sold 18,000 new energy vehicles last year.

As Anhui continues to make pioneering efforts to innovate its key manufacturing industries, it’s also doing its share to protect the environment and serve as a green model for the rest of China.

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