But things are changing for the better. Scores of companies have filed applications to produce new-energy vehicles and evaluations are underway, said the MIIT. The Chinese government has been encouraging the development of new-energy vehicles.
Although companies including Wanxiang, one of China's major spare parts producers, have reportedly obtained its qualifications, many more newcomers are calling for an easier entry into the sector, which now demands among other things an investment of at least 2 billion yuan ($306.2 million), an independent research and development center as well as sales and after-sales networks.
"If we can meet the nation's criteria about research and development and there are brands that will produce cars for us, I think the government should grant us qualifications," said William Li, founder of NEXTEV.
An industrial cleanup
Thirteen producers of passenger cars had their production qualifications revoked, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on its website on Feb 29.
Shijiazhuang Zhongbo Automobile Co Ltd
Gaobeidian Zhongke Huabei Automobile Co Ltd
Qinhuangdao Jincheng Automobile Manufacture Co Ltd
Shijiazhuang Shuanghuan Automobile Co Ltd
Jiangsu Zilang Automobile Group Co Ltd
Anhui Huayang Automobile Manufacture Co Ltd
Anhui JAC Anchi Automobile Co Ltd
Anhui Zongshen Tongbao Automobile Manufacture Co Ltd
Jiangxi JMC Special Vehicle Co Ltd
Zhuhai Maoda Automobile Industry Co Ltd
Dongguan Zhongqi Hongyuan Automobile Co Ltd
Qingyuan Yuejiang Micro Car Co Ltd
Qingling Automobile Group Co Ltd