(Yicai Global) May 10 -- China will introduce tougher vehicle emissions standards in July as planned, but will also extend the sales period of light old car models that do not meet the upgraded standards until the end of the year, following feedback from the auto industry.

The production, import, and sale of vehicles that do not meet China’s VI B emission standards, which include requirements on pollutants such as carbon monoxide in fossil fuel-powered vehicles, will be banned from July 1, per a joint statement from the environment and four other ministries yesterday. There will be a half-year grace period for sales of non-compliant lightweight vehicles.

The pressure to clear inventories of vehicles that would fail to meet the new standards before the July deadline was widely regarded as the main reason that carmakers joined the price war raging in China’s auto market, the world’s largest, back in March.

The new policy aims to help enterprises and the industry bail out in combination with the current market conditions, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said late yesterday

The policy will stabilize the mentality of dealers and carmakers and the rhythm of production and sales, boosting the development of the auto industry, Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association, said yesterday.

Car companies have had enough time to clear inventories, Cui noted, adding that it is unlikely yo see further widespread promotions because of stock clearance.

Editor: Futura Costaglione