GM urges China to subsidize imported models (like the Volt, hint, hint)

2011 Chevrolet Volt – Click above for high-res image gallery

IHS Automotive, an industry forecasting and analysis firm, quotes General Motors China vice president David Chen as stating:

China is the only country that has different subsidy policies [for electric vehicles based on origin]. The U.S. government provides U.S. $7,500 for every electric car no matter where it comes from.

Chen reportedly voiced this comment, and much more, during a recent conference in Beijing. Chen also suggested that China's biased subsidy program hinders the ability of overseas automakers to compete with the country's domestic manufacturers. Chen's heated remarks came just days after GM announced its intent to price the Chevrolet Volt at a level that's competitive in the Chinese market.

China's incentive program, which awards up to $8,800 for the purchase of domestic-built electric vehicles, does not extend to foreign-made autos. Obviously, the Chevrolet Volt is not an electric vehicle, but regardless, The General still believes that its plug-in hybrid should be eligible for incentives under China's rebate program. While GM is urging China to extend the rebate program to include imported vehicles, it doesn't appear that the country's government has any interest in doing so. An IHS Automotive analyst told Green Car Advisor:

Although the government is looking to increase the numbers of such vehicles sold in the country, it is aiming to maintain the stranglehold of locally built vehicles, and this is unlikely to change.

With rebates out of the question, The General will have to return to the drawing board and find another plan to offer the Volt at a competitive price in China.