China's booming new energy vehicle (NEV) industry owes its success to relentless innovation, policy support, and market-driven growth, Zhang Xinghai, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said on Friday, noting that the NEV industry will keep innovating in embracing a brighter development future.
Zhang, also chairman of Seres Group, made the statement at a group interview on the sidelines of the ongoing third session of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC, China's top political advisory body, in Beijing.
He expressed confidence in the vast development potential of the private sector of the economy, and called for continued advancements in smart technologies and global expansion to strengthen China's status as an automotive powerhouse.
"The development prospects of the private sector of the economy are very broad, with great potential for achievement. In 2024, China's production and sales of NEVs exceeded 13 million units, accounting for 70 percent of the global total and marking the 10th consecutive year of ranking first worldwide. Such achievements have not come easily and are inseparable from the national policy support for the NEV industry, the participation of market-oriented capital, the support and enthusiasm of the vast numbers of users for domestic brands and NEVs, and the tireless pursuit of enterprises across the entire automotive industry chain," Zhang said.
"Our technological innovations are mainly reflected in intelligent range-extended electric systems, intelligent assisted driving, and intelligent green manufacturing. China's automotive industry will continue to innovate this year, including technological innovation and industrial innovation, to ensure steady and sustained progress, to advance with stability, and to move toward internationalization, in striving to contribute to the dream of building China into a global automotive powerhouse," said the political advisor.
The third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee is scheduled from March 4 to 10.
China's NEV industry embraces brighter future through continuous efforts in innovation: political advisor
With the Chinese New Year just around the corner, cities across China are hosting vibrant events to welcome the upcoming year.
The Spring Festival will fall on Feb 17 this year, ushering in the Year of the Horse, the seventh of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac.
In Beijing, shopping malls and supermarkets are bringing in holiday markets, where red lanterns and fortune decorations create a joyful atmosphere. Some of the markets feature traditional products for the holiday such as Spring Festival couplets and other decorative items, while others offer a collection of global delicacies - from Thai durian to Spanish ham, to give give shoppers diverse holiday experiences.
"I'm doing some holiday shopping. I bought couplets, and this big persimmon toy symbolizing good luck, which I quite like. It's very creative," said Chang Guangcheng, a shopper.
Shanghai has launched over 2,000 cultural and tourism activities, including shows, intangible cultural heritage fairs and exhibitions. An indoor ski resort creatively staged a striking "Yingge dance on snow" show combining the southern China folk dance with ice and snow activities and performed by international performers.
"Overall visitor traffic increased by nearly 70 percent (since January). We expect the total visitor flow to the resort during this Spring Festival to increase by about 20 percent year-on-year," said Wang Xiaobo, a resort manager.
In the countryside, folk activities for Spring Festival are drawing visitors looking for a fresh experience. In Fujian Province's Pingnan County, villagers and tourists gathered on the 900-year-old Wan'an Bridge for a traditional banquet featuring dragon dances and folk singing - a custom preserved for over a century.
"So many people, all sitting together on this bridge in a lively atmosphere - it was the first time I'd ever experienced such a bustling scene. We enjoyed delicious food and had a great time," said Lin Huifang, a tourist.
Meanwhile, tourists attractions are staging Chinese New Year parades to draw holiday visitors. In Yunnan Province's Huize Ancient Town, a parade featuring activities visitors can participate created an imperative experience for travelers.
"I had a very fruitful day," said Zhao Yixun, a young girl.
"I won two prizes, which made me very happy," said another girl named Li Yuetong.
China gears up for Spring Festival with colorful celebrations
