China completes vehicle reform for central government

BEIJING - Car reform for the central government has been fully accomplished, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said on Tuesday.

Car reform in public institutions and state-owned enterprises has also begun, and that of local governments is actively being promoted, according to the NDRC.

A total of 3,868 official cars across 140 central government departments were taken out of service by the end of 2015, accounting for 62 percent of all government vehicles.

All impounded cars, after their legal documents are verified, will be either auctioned or dismantled depending on their condition.

The money raised by the auctions will go to the central treasury, according to the NDRC.

China started to reform government car use in July 2014 with the aim of slashing unnecessary fiscal expenses and promoting thrift.

According to guidelines, government vehicles may only be used for special services, such as intelligence communication and emergencies, and not for regular government affairs.