The city of Harbin, Heilongjiang province has announced plans to focus on new-energy vehicles at a symposium, on Dec 21, where it described its guidelines for new-energy vehicle development, with the mayor urging the city to “command the heights” in the industry and give it a key role among all of its industries.

Song Xibin alse called for a well-thought-out plan and policies for new energy vehicle manufacturing and a drive for emerging industries, calling it an inevitable trend in future automobile and urban environmental development.

Song went on to say, “At present, Harbin has a fair foundation for the industry and can do its own research on new energy vehicle technology,” then asked for a greater effort in promoting new energy vehicles and for making room for charging facilities in all new residential area parking lots, and at large public buildings.

He warned that, without these measures, the governmental will not be approve any construction project then asked for more innovative funding and private investment in building and operating charging equipment.