Chinese Automakers Step Into Hybrid Vehicle Production : New Hybrid car review

Chinese Automakers Step Into Hybrid Vehicle Production
Chinese automaker Chery has announced that it plans to begin production of a hybrid gas-electric sedan this summer following the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. To publicize the availability of the vehicle, the company is providing the Olympic Committee with 50 vehicles for use during the Games.
The first hybrid off the line for Chery will be a gas-electric hybrid of the A5 sedan. The standard gasoline version retails for about USD$10,000 and the hybrid version will come with a $1,500 to $3,000 premium added to that. Other Chinese manufacturers, including Geely, Chang’an, BYD and SAIC all plan to introduce hybrids by the end of 2008.
BYD has announced its plans to develop a gas-electric hybrid for the European market within the next two to three years. BYD was formed in 2003 and initially developed lithium-ion battery technology. Based upon its successes in that field, the company has committed to the production of hybrid vehicles. The company reports that its prototype can travel 110 km on battery power alone. Initially, the company expects to make 500 units per month, but could expand its production to 2,000 units per month within the next year.
The manufacturers have not indicated whether they plan to bring hybrid vehicle designs to the US market, however Chery has developed a number of vehicles designed to appeal to US consumers that will be distributed through Chrysler as part of a twenty-five year agreement between the companiesSource:hybridcarchat.com

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