Virgil
12-15-2008, 07:37 PM
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7013411359
December 15, 2008 6:23 a.m. EST
AHN Staff
Shenzhen, China (AHN) - China's BYD Co., which is 10 percent owned by U.S. investor Warren Buffett, said Monday that it has launched the world's first homegrown electric, mass-produced plug-in hybrid car.
BYD chairman Wang Chuan Fu told reporters on Monday that the company will sell the vehicle in European and U.S. markets in 2011, which is a delay from its previous decision to launch in the regions by 2010.
The F3 DM can run for 100 kilometers (62 miles) using only batteries that can be charged from a regular electrical outlet, the company said.
"The development of electric-powered vehicles is the best way for the Chinese auto industry to surpass other leading countries," founder and Chairman Wang Chuanfu was quoted as saying by Bloomberg News at an unveiling ceremony in Shenzhen.
The Chinese auto maker began marketing the F3DM this month to cab operators, government agencies and corporate customers; and will be available in the next month at the earliest.
BYD has managed to beat large car makers in the world -- including General Motors Corp., Toyota Motor Co., and Daimler AG -- who have been trying to launch mass-produced plug-in electric and hybrid cars to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
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December 15, 2008 6:23 a.m. EST
AHN Staff
Shenzhen, China (AHN) - China's BYD Co., which is 10 percent owned by U.S. investor Warren Buffett, said Monday that it has launched the world's first homegrown electric, mass-produced plug-in hybrid car.
BYD chairman Wang Chuan Fu told reporters on Monday that the company will sell the vehicle in European and U.S. markets in 2011, which is a delay from its previous decision to launch in the regions by 2010.
The F3 DM can run for 100 kilometers (62 miles) using only batteries that can be charged from a regular electrical outlet, the company said.
"The development of electric-powered vehicles is the best way for the Chinese auto industry to surpass other leading countries," founder and Chairman Wang Chuanfu was quoted as saying by Bloomberg News at an unveiling ceremony in Shenzhen.
The Chinese auto maker began marketing the F3DM this month to cab operators, government agencies and corporate customers; and will be available in the next month at the earliest.
BYD has managed to beat large car makers in the world -- including General Motors Corp., Toyota Motor Co., and Daimler AG -- who have been trying to launch mass-produced plug-in electric and hybrid cars to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
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