China will see more environmentally friendly automobiles next year to help it realize its goal of hosting a "Green Olympics."

Volkswagen Group, the official automobile partner of the 2008 Olympic Games, has promised to trim the rate at which its cars consume fuel by utilizing its advanced technology.

"Volkswagen has invested heavily to produce the most advanced engineering systems, which will reduce engine displacement and fuel consumption by 20 percent in Dalian, Liaoning Province.

"Such technology will certainly be used for the automobiles that we will provide for the 2008 Beijing Games," said Pan Qing, the Olympic marketing director of Volkswagen Group China.

"Taking care of the environment is an integral part of any company's social responsibility. To this end, Volkswagen will display its practical technology through the Olympics," he added.

In June 2004, Volkswagen (China) Investment Corporation (VCIC) and its joint ventures, FAW-Volkswagen and Shanghai Volkswagen, were appointed the official automobile partner for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Volkswagen and Audi, two brands under the Volkswagen Group, will jointly provide financial and promotional support, vehicles and other related services to BOCOG, the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) and the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Audi has also been appointed the official Beijing 2008 Premium Automobile.

According to Pan, who took over the position in February, Volkswagen will provide 5,000 automobiles during the Games. He said some 300 staff will be selected to ensure the smooth operation of the vehicles, all of which will be ready two or three months before the Olympics starts.

"Volkswagen is now working closely with BOCOG to discuss issues concerning our automobile team at the Games, such as the arrangement of the vehicles, the allocation of the staff and staff training," said Pan. "Before the Games opens, we will also send staff to train the drivers."