All the cars, coaches and mini-buses used by the first sessions of the 10th CPPCC National Committee and the 10th NPC are of China make, it was learned in Beijing Tuesday.
The vehicles are made in China either purely by Chinese auto makers or by Sino-foreign joint ventures, according to the Shojqi Co., Ltd.and the Beiqi Taxi Group Co., the suppliers of vehicles for used by the annual sessions of the top legislature and advisory body.
All the cars provided are of "Hongqi" (Red Flag) brand; mini-buses are of "Xiao Jinlong" brand; and luxury coaches are of "Da Jinlong". Sonata car, just rolling off the line in Beijing, stole the limelight. Other brands include Volvo and Toyota Coaster, all made in China by joint ventures.
The vehicles made in China have improved much in both quality and grades and they can well meet the demand of the annual sessions of the two top political bodies, said Jin Minren from Shouqi. The luxury coaches have basically replaced imported models.
China imported more than 120,000 vehicles last year, according to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation. But the number of luxury coaches imported was no more than 200.uled to open Wednesday.
March 4, 2003
Source: Xinhua News Agency
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