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Technological improvements in past years have made China-produced lower emission family saloons safer, sturdier and more theft-resistant, as well as cheaper. Sales of low-emission cars in Beijing have noticeably risen since April 1,2006. Hao Dianying, deputy general manager of North Market, Beijing’s largest auto dealer, attributes this phenomenon to all-time high oil prices. He believes low-and medium-emission autos have dominated auto market sales since the beginning of 2006, because, "…they sell all a lower price, cost less to maintain, and consume less fuel.

Mrs. Jiang is one example of an economy-seeking consumer who, albeit by default, helps conserve the environment. She drives a car that can go 100 kilometers on just seven liters of gasoline, and pays no more than RMB 600 for oil, half of that for bigger cars, during an average 2000-kilometers month. Mrs. Jiang’s smaller car also costs her less in tax and insurance.

Experienced auto salesman Mr. Liu racalls the changes in China’s auto market over the past decade:" A few years ago, a car costing RMB 60 000 would be equipped with nothing more than a basic engine and gearbox. Today, it comes with ABS, airbag, central locking and even a CD player and electric windows, all for the same price and with sleeker bodywork to boot."

China’s traditional conformity and elite connotations as regards car ownership are fast disappearing. The car is both an accepted and expected aspect of new households, as well as an expression of individuality.