SALES of low-emission cars in China declined 11.67 percent in the first half of the year, with most consumers valuing social status over the environment.
The dip in sales was in stark contrast to general automobile sales figures in China which increased nearly 30 percent on the previous year, reported the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
Low-emission car sales dropped 25 percent in Beijing alone, according to Su Hui, head of the Yayuncun automobile market.
"When consumers purchase automobiles, they tend to consider how the automobiles reflect their 'face,' their social status," Su said. "Larger vehicles, more expensive models and famous brands are usually preferred."
No low-emission car brand was listed among the top 20 best sellers in the Yayuncun automobile market in Beijing.
A survey by the Sinotrust Marketing Research & Consulting Company targeting 15,000 potential consumers, shows no more than 20 percent would consider low-emission cars as their first choice for quality reasons and social status.
Many low-emission cars, including the Chery QQ and the Chang'an Auto, have yet to reach the Euro III emission standard. Some of them were withdrawn from the Beijing market because they lacked OBD (On-Board Diagnostics), a device that provides real-time monitoring of emissions.