The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has approved a group of new vehicles including 17 sedan models made by domestic manufacturers, said the commission yesterday.

The approval cleared the way for the automakers to put their new products on the market. According to relevant regulations, all auto vehicles and motorcycles need approval and publication by the national administrator before mass production and sales.

On the 160th series of the approved vehicles catalog, the NDRC granted permits to automobiles, motorcycles, tricycle autos and low-speed trucks.

The 17 new sedan models include two 2008 Geely Jingang models from Zhejiang Haoqing, a subsidiary of Geely Holding Group; one Haima model from FAW Haima Automobile; two Yaris models from Guangzhou Toyota; one Lifan model from Chongqing Lifan; two Focus models and two Mazda models from Changan Ford Mazda; two Changan models from Chongqing Changan; two low-emission BYD-F1 models from BYD Auto; and one A1 model and three A3 models from Chery Automobile.

Besides a few completely new models, the majority of the 17 models are upgraded products from existing models. Of the models, 11 are designed with China's own intellectual property rights.

Chinese automakers are now competing in the market releasing new models, with around 100 each year in the past five years. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, Chinese carmakers put 90 new models on the market, including some 20 completely new ones.

(Chinadaily.com.cn February 19, 2008)