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China's Thirst for Gaz-Guzzlers Boosts Oil Demand

SUV sales jump 43% over last year

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 28, 2008 3:41 AM CDT

(Newser) – While soaring gas prices are driving Americans to buy more energy-efficient cars, Chinese consumers are opting for gas-guzzling Buicks and Hummers, reports the Washington Post. China accounts for 40% of the world's recent increase in oil demand. There were few private cars in China 15 years ago, but today there are 15.2 million. The Chinese like them big. The number of SUVs sold rose 43% in May compared with last year.

 "In China, size matters," said a business owner with a Hummer. "People want to have a car that shows off their status in society. No one wants to buy small." Despite the increase in Chinese gas demand, the US still remains the world's No. 1 oil consumer, with about one of every eight barrels of oil produced ending up in an American vehicle.

A model stands next to a Buick Riviera at the Auto China 2008 auto show in Beijing. While Americans are buying smaller cars, Chinese consumers are buying gas guzzlers.
A model stands next to a Buick Riviera at the Auto China 2008 auto show in Beijing. While Americans are buying smaller cars, Chinese consumers are buying gas guzzlers.   (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
An Audi R8 sports car at the Auto China 2008 auto show in Beijing. German carmaker Audi AG's sales are up 23 percent in China.
An Audi R8 sports car at the Auto China 2008 auto show in Beijing. German carmaker Audi AG's sales are up 23 percent in China.   (AP Photo/Greg Baker, File)
Cars line up at a PetroChina gas station. China is responsible for 40% of the increase in demand for oil - but there is incentive for China to conserve.
Cars line up at a PetroChina gas station. China is responsible for 40% of the increase in demand for oil - but there is incentive for China to conserve.   (AP Photo/Color China Photo)
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