Carmakers sticks to new-energy drive

Despite the challenges posed by the limits of current battery technology, Chinese carmakers remain persistent in exploring ways to expand their businesses into the fast-growing new-energy vehicle market.

The latest twist involves combining the concepts of green vehicles together with the country's hot-selling sport utility vehicles, in what automakers hope is a canny move. Chery Automobile Co plans to launch an electric SUV next year and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co plans to release a hybrid SUV in two years.

"We have invested a lot in the NEV business and will keep doing so," said Ni Shaoyong, vice-president of Chery New Energy Automobile Co.