Infiniti's hybrid suvs star at top forum

New-energy vehicles are transporting participants of China's first top-level economic forum after the annual "Two Sessions" concluded on March 15 in Beijing, the latest signal of the nation's efforts to protect the environment.

Twenty hybrid SUVs provided by premium car brand Infiniti constituted the official fleet of the ongoing 2015 China Development Forum organized by the Development Research Center of the State Council.

One of the most important economic events in China, the forum has attracted more than a dozen Chinese ministers, international economists and business leaders as well as overseas dignitaries including former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger to discuss China's economy under the "new normal" of medium growth.

Previously, the official fleet was composed of cars from German marque Audi.

Industry insiders said the reason Infiniti's hybrid vehicles were chosen is likely to be because China is becoming more concerned about the environment.

Daniel Kirchert, president of Dongfeng Infiniti Motor Co Ltd, said that the company is honored to provide the official fleet for such an important event and offer a "green", premium riding experience to guests to the forum.

"We are glad to see that green, sustainable mobility is highly encouraged in China and we are happy to be part of the new trend," he said.

It is not the first time the Infiniti QX60 Hybrid has appeared at China's top-level economic and political events. The model was used as official cars at last years' APEC meetings, together with electric cars from local manufacturer BAIC.

The development of new-energy cars has been made one of the top priorities in China's automotive industry.

China has made a goal to have 5 million new-energy vehicles on its roads by 2020.

Li Fusheng / China Daily

(China Daily 03/23/2015 page7)