The Big Three of four wheels used to relate to the U.S., Germany and Japan. However, not for much longer.

A new report shows that in the past few years, precisely after its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, China has seen a phenomenal growth in its automotive industry. As the country’s economy is growing steadily, a vast consumer base with increasing disposable income has led to a changing lifestyle and rapid development in road infrastructure. This has subsequently led to China becoming a renowned name in the global automobile industry.

Some of the key findings in the report highlights that China is projected to add 33 million automobiles during 2008-2010 which will see the passenger car sales cross 11 million units in 2010.

The positive sign is that China encourages the development of clean and fuel efficient vehicles in an effort to sustain continued growth. By the end of 2007, China planned to reduce the average fuel consumption per 100 km for all types of vehicles by 10%.

Also, the proportion of vehicles burning alternative fuel will be increased to help optimise the country’s energy consumption. Priority will be given to facilitating the research and development of electric and hybrid vehicles as well as alternative fuel vehicles, especially CNG/LNG. Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai already require Euro III emission standards.