Full speed ahead for new-energy cars

Boosted by preferential policies, first-half output and sales of alternative-fuel vehicles exceeded the full-year figures for 2013, experts said on Tuesday.

Production rose 230 percent year-on-year to 20,692 vehicles, while sales were up 220 percent to 20,477, according to Chen Bin, executive vice-president of the China Machinery Industry Federation.

"Although new-energy vehicles still account for a small percentage of output and sales in the auto industry, growth has really picked up this year," Chen said.