Beijing, China – China now has more than 176.5 million motor vehicles, up 3.92 per cent over the last six months compared with the end of 2008, according to the Ministry of Public Security. 

The ministry said that more than 14 per cent of the total population, or over 188.8 million Chinese, had obtained a driver’s license by the end of June.

Stimulated by a tax reduction policy for small-displacement engines and a favourable vehicle purchasing policy for rural residents, the sale of small passenger cars increased by more than 12 per cent, while cargo vehicle sales rose by more than 7.5 per cent. Private motor vehicles accounted for nearly 77 per cent of the total, a 4.65 per cent increase over 2008.