Looks like an old Toyota Corolla, but the BYD F3DM is a fully functional, made-in-China plug-in hybrid. The Japanese, Koreans and Americans don’t have anything like it yet!

The Chinese seem to be steaming ahead with development on hybrids, beating American, Japanese and Korean carmakers to the punch. For example, while Chevrolet is still at least two years away from launching the Volt, Chinese carmaker, BYD Auto, has already launched China’s first plug-in hybrid – the F3DM sedan. The vehicle, which was recently launched in China, will be showcased at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2009.

While the Chevy Volt is expected to cost around US$40,000 when it goes on sale in 2011, the F3DM will be priced at the equivalent of around US$21,900 in China...

According to reports in the media, Bajaj Auto is all set to turn the tables on Chinese motorcycle manufacturers by taking them on at their own game – making and selling ultra-low-cost two-wheelers for developing markets.

Bajaj Auto is said to have arrangements in place with certain companies in China, which would, on a contract basis, manufacture 125cc bikes for Bajaj. These bikes would be sold at the equivalent of around Rs 20,000-25,000 in some of Bajaj’s export markets, including China and Africa.

However, Bajaj will not sell these low-cost two-wheelers under its own brand. The company, which wants a high-quality, high-tech image for its brand, will develop an all-new brand for its low-cost lineup of Chinese-built bikes.

In the 100-125cc bikes segment in India, Bajaj h...