Mr Zhao Hang (right) and other dignitaries declare ANGVA 2011 open.
The 4th Asia-Pacific Natural Gas Vehicles Association Conference and Exhibition with the theme “Natural Gas for Vehicles – Driving the Future Cleaner” has opened in Beijing with Chinese government representatives, distinguished guests, participants and visitors being welcomed by the President of CATARC and Chairman of the event organizing committee, Mr Zhao Hang. More than 170 exhibitors are present; conference participants and exhibitors have arrived from more than 30 countries.
With the support of the Ministry of Science and Technology, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and Ministry of Environmental Protection, CATARC expressed appreciation to become the first organisation to hold an ANGVA event in China. CATARC is the China Automotive Technology and Research Center.
Firm government commitment and the willingness of several major cities to resource research into clean energy has seen China grow a natural gas vehicle (NGV) industry in 10 years, with considerable momentum over the past five. Current figures are not available but in 2009 the country had over .5 million NGVs.
Ankai HFF6104G39C bus (CNG or LNG)
In a plenary address Mr Zhao said innovation and technology is rapidly closing the gap with international levels and China is aiming to be the leader for natural gas vehicles in the world. 30 provinces and regions are now promoting NGVs.
The exhibition features a large display of medium and heavy duty vehicles, with several buses from manufacturers such as Ankai, Foton, Furuise, King Long and Shuchi as well as several trucks, trailer refuellers and smaller vehicles.
