Chen: environmentalist or just a self-promoter?

SHANGHAI - Chen Guangbiao, an entrepreneur who smashed his Mercedes-Benz car on Sept 16, said a lawyer who claimed his behavior was probably illegal actually helped him publicize World Car Free Day.

"I want to thank the lawyer who said my behavior was illegal, because what he did will increase public awareness that I did it to promote low-carbon, environmental protection," said Chen, whose image in China is that of a philanthropist and environmentalist.

Chen said what he wanted to do was to make more Chinese embrace the spirit of World Car Free Day and stop using their cars for transport.