China announces subsidies to promote 'green' cars

China on Tuesday announced hefty subsidies for buyers of battery-operated 'green' cars in a bid to boost the nation's auto industry and cut vehicle emissions.

Through the programme, subsidies of up to 60,000 yuan ($8,784) will be given to buyers of pure electric vehicles in the five cities chosen for the pilot programme, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement. Also, buyers of plug-in hybrid cars will receive up to 50,000 yuan ($7,320) in subsidies.

The cities chosen for the pilot programme are Shanghai, Changchun, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Hefei, the official news agency Xinhua reported.