Environmentally-friendly hybrid cars will be in mainstream use in China by the end of the year, the Xinhua news agency has reported.

China hopes to have adopted low-emission hybrid cars as a staple by 2010 as part of the country's 11th Five Year Plan, which focuses on technology and environmental protection.

Several major Chinese auto manufacturers have agreed to construct the hybrid cars, which run on a mixture of electricity and fuel, including the Dongfeng Motor Corporation, the China FAW Group Corporation and the Chery Auto Company.

"These firms have formed China's first hybrid automobile production base," said Wan Gang, head of the Chinese government's team of experts advising the hybrid automobile program.

Despite the success of Chinese projects, many experts maintain that the country's efforts still fall behind Western standards, where the development of hybrid cars continues strongly.

Reflecting US interest in the sector, a joint venture agreement was announced today between Hybrid Technologies and sports car manufacturers Mullen Motors which will see the construction of a "GT Super Car".



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