Cui Jie: Changchun to Mainly Push

　　Editor's Note: With the coming of the 57th anniversary of Chinese auto industry, the Seventh Changchun International Auto Show embraced a grand opening on July 15. The Society of Automotive Engineers of China will hold its annual meeting during the auto show. As a high-level and comprehensive academic exchange activity in Chinese auto industry, the annual meeting of Society of Automotive Engineers of China has provided an important platform for technology workers who are engaged in automotive industry and other related industries. After years of careful cultivation, the annual meeting has become an international academic event. Following is the exclusive interview of Cui Jie, the Mayor of Changchun, by Sohu Auto.

　　Sohu Auto: Compared with other two major auto cities-Guangzhou and Shanghai, what are the advantages of Changchun?

　　Cui Jie: China's auto industry was born in Changchun. Changchun has industrial bases and automobile culture. We should say that the industrial capacity of the city of Changchun plays an important role in Chinese auto industry.

　　Sohu Auto: We know that Changchun is the cradle of China's auto industry. As an industry base with long history, what measures has Changchun taken to inject vitality into the auto industry?

　　Cui Jie: First of all I think we should expand the industry and meet market demands. Now the overall volume of vehicles in China is increasing rapidly, which may reach 16 to 17 million units this year. We should shoulder the mutual responsibilities. Once we enhance our capabilities, we will have more strength to meet demands. In the year of 2010 the theme is that Chinese auto industry should be stronger. Especially our domestic brands should grow stronger and we should pay attention to the development of new technologies. That's the direction of making efforts.

　　Sohu Auto: Changchun is one of the five pilot cities for new energy. What will Changchun do as to the construction of infrastructures?

　　Cui Jie: We are doing several things. First of all, we have submitted the plan to the central government and we are waiting for the permission. Second, we have devised several specific plans for application covering a number of fields including the research and development of new energy vehicles, the breakthrough of core technologies of new energy vehicles. We have also taken the construction of supporting infrastructures of new energy cars such as charging stations into considerations.

　　Sohu Auto: Do you feel optimistic about the development trend of industrialization of new energy vehicles?

　　Cui Jie: The whole society is filled with expectations for new energy vehicles. Moreover, I think the breakthrough lies in the near future. Just now you said Changchun had been identified as a pilot city for new energy vehicles. We mainly propel the development of pure electric cars, of course, including plug-in cars. According to the 12th Five-Year Plan, the output in FAW will reach up to 500,000 units. In addition, in the fields of motor, battery and electronic control there will be breakthroughs as well. We are also supporting the development of ancillary facilities. We expect the project to move faster.

　　Sohu Auto: In addition to FAW, will Changchun introduce other projects?

　　Cui Jie: First of all, Changchun is the hometown of FAW. Relying on FAW, Changchun has cooperated with Toyota, Mazda and Volkswagen. Last year, we established cooperation relationship with General Motors. Through cooperation we expanded the capacities and increased the level of technologies. In this process, first, FAW will grow bigger and stronger based on its own plan. Second, we also hope that other automakers in China to participate in the development of auto industry in Changchun.

　　Sohu Auto: As to the introduction of new energy vehicles in the market, will Changchun take specific measures?

　　Cui Jie: Regarding the introduction and promotion of new energy vehicles, I think there are some problems. First problem is about the technical feasibility. We have to ensure that new energy vehicles will meet consumers' demands and technical requirements. The quality of new energy vehicles should be good. Second issue is about subsidy policy. Since the scale of production is limited and the price is relatively higher, the central government will offer subsidies. In addition, the city of Changchun will also provide subsidies for consumers. With those two subsides, the price of a new energy car will be same as that of a traditional car which uses fossil fuels. What's more, the cost of electric power is relatively lower. Thirdly, we have to meet the operating conditions of new energy vehicles. Faced with new energy, Changchun has to deal with the issue of infrastructures.

　　Sohu Auto: What do you think about the future of Chinese auto market?

　　Cui Jie: I think China's auto demand is still quite strong. Of course, the sales of the first half of 2010 are beyond our expectations. There may be some fluctuations in the future. I think that is normal. Car is the transportation means in the modern era. Car has changed the society and our lives. I think the higher car ownership is, the greater demand is. (Translator: Qinghua/Hanxin)

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