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Chinese Embrace SUVs, Hummers as Status Symbols

Gas-guzzlers are popular in Beijing, if not in the West

By Sam Gale Rosen, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 18, 2008 7:00 PM CDT

(Newser) – Demand for gas-guzzling SUVs keeps growing in China, where the vehicles have become status symbols. Even Hummers are selling fast, despite sky-high oil prices, the Financial Times reports. "There are plenty of other sources of pollution than cars, and life is short so we should enjoy ourselves anyway," says a Beijing executive.

The trend toward big cars among Chinese drivers is growing controversial, the Times notes. China is the world's biggest contributor to the annual rise in oil consumption, even as its gas prices are about 40 cents lower per gallon than in the US—and far below Europe. US Treasury chief Hank Paulson says he will urge China to raise prices to try to cut down on consumption.

A model poses beside the Chinese-made Longbo Hummer at the Auto China 2008 auto show in Beijing Tuesday April 22, 2008. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)

Visitors look at a Cadillac Escalade SUV at the Auto China 2008 auto show in Beijing Tuesday April 22, 2008. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)

A model poses beside a Cadillac CTS at the Auto China 2008 auto show in Beijing Tuesday April 22, 2008. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)

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Chinese Embrace SUVs, Hummers as Status Symbols

Gas-guzzlers are popular in Beijing, if not in the West

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Chinese VP Arrives in Washington

Xi Jinping, China's next president, to meet with Obama

Ram, Doe to Marry in China

Zoologists caution against over-analyzing the interspecies bond

Tibet Nun, 18, Sets Self Ablaze

Free Tibet says teen died from injuries as tension escalates

Meet Chun Chun, China's Biggest Baby?

He weighed 15.5 pounds at birth

Famed China Police Chief May Be Seeking US Asylum

Wang Lijun has dropped from sight amid rumors

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Chinese Embrace SUVs, Hummers as Status Symbols

Gas-guzzlers are popular in Beijing, if not in the West

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

China • SUVs • Hummer

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Chinese VP Arrives in Washington

Xi Jinping, China's next president, to meet with Obama

Ram, Doe to Marry in China

Zoologists caution against over-analyzing the interspecies bond

Tibet Nun, 18, Sets Self Ablaze

Free Tibet says teen died from injuries as tension escalates

Meet Chun Chun, China's Biggest Baby?

He weighed 15.5 pounds at birth

Famed China Police Chief May Be Seeking US Asylum

Wang Lijun has dropped from sight amid rumors

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?