An exhibition called "Science and Technology Achievements of the 10th Five-Year Plan (2001-05)" opened Sunday at the Haidian Exhibition Center in Beijing, showcasing some of China's latest advancements in the fields of science and technology.

The Wuhan-based Dongfeng Electric Vehicle Co Ltd showed off two HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) prototypes.

Dongfeng 6110, a HEV bus, can reach a top speed of more than 80 kilometers per hour, but consumes 30 per cent less gasoline than a normal bus of the same size.

With a combustion engine, an electric motor and a storage battery, the bus gains more energy-efficiency and produces less emissions than conventional vehicles.

"We are now waiting for a license from the National Development and Reform Commission, and plan to put it into small-scale production by the end of this year," said Fu Jun, deputy general manager of the company.

Fu said the company's other prototype, the EQ7200 HEV sedan, is going to be produced next year.

"Our first batch of clients will be city bus companies and government departments," Fu said.

The company won a bid from the 863 Programme, the nation's high-tech research and development programme, to develop China's hybrid vehicles in 2001.

"We have full IPR of the two HEVs," Fu said.

Besides energy-efficient cars, the exhibition gave another surprise: China is going to produce a new type of "feederliner," or regional jet, a small aircraft which allows for efficient local air transportation.

ARJ21-700, a fanjet-powered plane which can accommodate 70 to 90 passengers, will be produced in 2007 and sold to clients in 2009.

(China Daily September 19, 2005)