Established in 1985, the China Automotive Technology & Research Center (CATARC) is China’s leading motor vehicle technical analysis group and primary think tank for several government agencies.

CATARC has been instrumental in developing China’s advanced vehicle fuel economy standards, including both a passenger vehicle fuel economy standard, which was adopted in 2004 and went into effect in 2005, and a light-duty commercial vehicle fuel economy standard, expected to be issued in 2006-07. Other key projects underway include 1) researching incentives for vehicle technology advancement and transportation system reform; 2) investigating an excise tax, fuel tax, and purchasing tax; and 3) developing standards and incentive policies to promote hybrid-electric vehicle technologies in China.