Zhao said that the market of commercial vehicles has been expanding rapidly thanks to the constant and steady economic growth in China. Commercial vehicles currently comprise two-thirds of all automotive vehicles.

He said the priority of developing public transportation, the concern for the urban environment and the construction of highways will provide more opportunities for commercial vehicles.

In recent years, automakers have accelerated the process of developing new models of domestic commercial vehicles and adjusted product mix and sales policies to meet rising market demand.

World famous commercial vehicle companies have begun to cooperate with their Chinese counterparts through setting up joint ventures and building sales networks.

Zhao said that through international cooperation Chinese commercial vehicles will enhance their competitive edge by optimizing resources and reducing costs.

(Xinhua News Agency December 17, 2002)