What is the Vehicle Classification Standard in Mainland China?
2 Answers
Mainland China's vehicle classification standard is as follows: Mini cars (displacement below 1L), Compact cars (displacement between 1.0L to 1.6L), Mid-size cars (displacement between 1.6L to 2.5L), Executive cars (displacement between 2.5L to 4.0L), and Luxury cars (displacement above 4L). Historically classified by engine displacement: In the past, China was a country dominated by a planned economy, with weak market awareness and poor price sensitivity. At that time, cars were sold under a planned allocation model, and vehicle grades were measured by engine displacement, thus dividing them into mini cars, compact cars, mid-size cars, executive cars, and luxury cars. Main categories of vehicles: The main classifications of vehicles in China include trucks, off-road vehicles, dump trucks, tractors, special-purpose vehicles, buses, passenger cars, and semi-trailers.
In the automotive classification standards of mainland China, having driven for over a decade, I've noticed they primarily consider engine displacement and body type. For instance, small-displacement cars with engines below 1.0 liters enjoy tax benefits, making them ideal for urban commuting; SUVs offer spacious interiors and higher ground clearance, suited for long-distance travel; while sedans are lower and more stable. The China VI emission standards are stringent, with high-emission vehicles facing restrictions on driving and purchasing. I often pay attention to these factors when buying a car or choosing a license plate. Green plates are exclusive to new energy vehicles, such as pure electric or plug-in hybrids, promoted by national policies to reduce emissions, and they also save on fuel and taxes. In terms of safety, body size classifications like compact or large determine crash test ratings, which I prioritize when selecting a car to protect my family. Overall, these classifications simplify the car-buying process, though regional policies can sometimes affect license plate registration rules differently across areas.
