Low-emission car sales boom

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China has raised benchmark retail prices for gasoline and diesel by 300 yuan a ton. It's the fourth time the country has increased fuel prices. It means more and more car buyers are choosing low-emission vehicles.

Mr. Zhang has just ordered a car with a one liter engine.

Mr. Zhang said "At first I considered buying a car with an engine over 1.6 liters. But as fuel prices rose, I changed my mind and chose this low-emission car. It can save a lot of gasoline. "

Many buyers share Mr Zhang's opinion. At a car showroom in Beijing, this low-emission automatic model is popular. It received 20 orders the first day the car hit the market.

One consumer said "Driving a low-emission car can save a lot money in the long run. And it's also convenient to drive. "

As well as rising oil prices, China's preferential policies for buying low-emission vehicles such as the 50 per cent cut in purchase tax, and incentives to scrap old cars, have also boosted sales. Cars with engines smaller than 1.6 liters now account for 70 percent of sales.