Spring came particularly late to Beijing in 2010. The willow trees around the moat of the Forbidden City didn’t turn green until late April. Yet at the same time, “green” was undoubtedly the central theme of the 11th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 2010) held at China International Exhibition Center. At the exhibition, automakers from around the world gathered to display more than 90 newenergy vehicles, which are commonly known as “green autos” in China and elsewhere. The “green revolution” seems to be gaining steam in the global auto industry.

Green Rides

With the theme “For a Greener Tomorrow,” Auto China 2010 presented a total of 95 alternative and new energy vehicles, of which 30 will hit the market this year. That figure is six times more than that of the 2006 event. Both domestic and international manufacturers were eager

to unveil their latest technologies at the 2010 exhibition, all attempting to dub themselves leaders of the coming green era.

Certainly one of the most important inventions of recent centuries, the automobile makes modern life infinitely more convenient and comfortable, as well as fostering considerable economic development in the industrial age. But at the same time, proliferation of the oil-guzzling machines has brought traffic jams, energy shortages, and air pollution. The latest statistics show that by the end of 2009, China had more than 76.19 million motor vehicles, a figure which is increasing quickly with each passing year. The massive number of vehicles on roads is a major burden on the nation’s already scarce oil resources, and exhaust pipes have become the primary polluters plaguing China’s many large cities. How to solve these complex problems? In addition to enacting stricter emission standards, developing alternative and new-energy vehicles with low oil consumption and low emission seems an ideal solution.