The new year has brought new restrictions for those wanting to buy a car in the Chinese capital. It's been a headache for drivers, but brought about a boom in the rental market. Zhao Youlong finds out if leasing a vehicle for the Spring Festival is all it's cracked up to be.

The holiday period is a traditional peak period for renting a car. Ninety percent of available vehicles are being snapped up at medium and small sized suppliers. The manager of one company explained that some companies rent cars for their clients - while other people hire cars to drive back to their hometowns.

Xiang Ping, Manager, Rental Car Company, said, "Some people want to avoid the hassle of getting a train ticket, so it's more convenient for them to rent a car, and share the expense with their colleagues or friends."

Xiang says the high demand is related to the newly launched license-plate lottery system. Under the new regulations, the authorities have stopped the free-for-all among would-be drivers, and are limiting the number of new vehicles allowed on Beijing's roads. With such restrictions in place, more would-be buyers are choosing to rent.

Xiang Ping, said, "Now, only 20,000 vehicles get new license plates every month. And this number covers the ones belonging to both enterprises and individuals. It's a good thing for the rental car industry."

"The new traffic regulations have changed people's opinions about renting cars. Hopefully, the hired car will help contribute to solving Beijing's clogged roadways. ZYL, CCTV, Beijing."

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