New rules alter the game for car hire companies

Beijing - Car rental companies in Beijing have enjoyed robust growth in business as many people resorted to hiring a car when their plans to buy one were dampened by the new vehicle registration rules.

Shouqi Car Rental, a major player in the sector, has been capitalizing on the rising demand for rental cars, Jiao Xuejun, a senior marketing manager at the company, said on Wednesday.

"We've seen a steady increase in demand. Nearly 90 percent of our cars have been rented out or booked for the period around the Spring Festival, up 10 percent from last year," he said.