While the world economy struggled under
the weight of the financial crisis in the previous year, global major auto markets were confronted with
tremendous opportunities and challenges brought about by the low-carbon economy and new energy
revolution. Hence, the alternative fuel and new energy vehicle industries have sparked the interest of global
automakers seeking to gain strategic high ground (see also Global Leaders Institute).
While the global automobile market is re-shuffling, the world is focusing more and more on China. Although the
dual support of Chinese policies and funding have helped substantially, China's alternative fuel vehicle industry
is still in its infancy. The industrialization process may have many bottlenecks. Relevant Chinese enterprises lag
behind in the fields of internal combustion engines, integration techniques and control systems of hybrid and
fuel cell vehicles, applications of lithium-ion batteries, motors and drive systems.