China waives sales tax on locally made electric vehicles

A total of 49 domestically made models, including the Sale electric car developed by SAIC’s car venture with General Motors and two electric cars made at Volkswagen’s two Chinese car ventures, will be exempted from sales taxes, the ministry said in a statement on its website (www.mof.gov.cn).

Other models include electric vehicles made by Warren Buffett-backed BYD, Chery Automobile, Geely Automobile Holdings as well as fuel cell cars made by FAW Group, among others.

Beijing has declared the electric vehicle industry a top priority, earmarking $1.5 billion a year for the next 10 years to transform the country into one of the leading producers of electric cars.

Buyers of locally made electric cars are also eligible for government subsidies of up to 120,000 yuan ($19,100) per electric vehicle. Imported electric cars such as GM’s Chevy Volt are excluded from this policy.

www.mof.gov.cn