New Auto Emission Standards

In December 2016, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment released China’s sixth-generation vehicle emission standards. Starting from July 1, 2020, automakers will be required to cut carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions by 50 percent. In March 2018, Shenzhen announced new standards starting July 1, 2018, and several cities and provinces followed suit. Auto manufacturers nationwide were caught off guard since they must upgrade technology and cut stocks to meet the new requirements, at the same time as the world’s largest auto market is experiencing its first decline in sales since the 1990s. The new emission standards will be a trial of strength for the government, vehicle manufacturers and customers.