A few days ago , the " 2012 Catalog of Government Car Models for Use By The Party and Government Organs ( Draft for Comment ) " , which was issued on the official website of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology , sparked off heated discussions among the people , 
because all the models in this government vehicle procurement catalog were domestic - branded cars , and none of the cars from joint - venture brands were selected .
While this news was greeted by applause domestically , a " letter of challenge " from the European Union Chamber of Commerce was delivered to Beijing the other day .
Dirk Moens ( Dirk Moens ) , Secretary - General of the European Union Chamber of Commerce , warned it was possible that European countries would not invest in China 's Great Wall Motors and Geely Cars again .
The European Chamber of Commerce , along with its members , will evaluate the effects of China 's government car reform , and may formally urge the governments of European countries to adopt countermeasures .
It was the " most powerful ever " government vehicle procurement catalog unveiled by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on February 24 that triggered the " protest " from the European Union Chamber of Commerce .
All the shortlisted 412 candidate car models from 25 automobile companies were domestic brands , whereas all foreign brands were eliminated across the board .
Data provided by a domestic organization showed that 80 % of China 's current government cars were foreign brands , amongst which Volkswagen and Audi accounted for one - third of the cars for government and state - owned enterprises .
Comment : It 's common for a government to use its domestic cars .
In the automobile market , the government is merely a buyer . As a consumer , of course , it has the right to choose cars on the basis of its preference so long as it does not violate the authorization of the people .
Even though the joint - venture brands are already produced locally , and choosing domestic - branded cars is more of a symbolic significance , 
it is still an unwritten rule , or even a written rule , for many countries to use their domestic cars as government cars .
Countries with developed automobile industries , such as US , Japan , Germany , UK , France and South Korea , select their domestically - produced vehicles as the first choice for government cars .
Moreover , those countries with relatively undeveloped automobile industries , which includes Russia , Australia , Malaysia and India , do the same .
The domestically - produced " Proton " car that Malaysia 's Prime Minister rides in is equivalent to Toyota 's Corolla series in terms of prestige .
The car for the Prime Minister of Australia is Caprice from Australia 's Holden Motor Company .
Russia 's ZIL automotive factory had the honor of designing a car for Putin , and the government cars of Russia are mainly by Volga .
The ride of India 's President is an Indian car from the " Ambassador " brand , which is equivalent in terms of prestige to the Charade car commonly seen on Chinese streets .
Although the attitude of the European Union Chamber of Commerce is not representative of the governments , and it is normal for the European Union Chamber of Commerce to act as the spokesperson of European enterprises in the interests of its members , 
however , we can see from this matter that the Europeans are also unreasonable and obstinate when it comes to their interests .
That 's understandable , most of China 's official government cars are European brands , 
If government cars are localized , it will surely inflict heavy losses on the sales volume of European cars in China , and it 's estimated that the sales revenue of a few million cars will be lost ! 
Of course they are anxious . The automobile industry is one of the pillars in the European economy too . If they lose this huge market in China , it will undoubtedly add fuel to the flames of the economic crisis in Europe , 
that 's too bad . China must also develop its domestic economy . China has neglected its research and development for a long time , 
it handed over its automobile industry to foreign companies and allowed this industry to be =directly acquired by foreign companies , losing a lot of its own profits .
The central government 's decision is beneficial to citizens , and it will benefit its own national industries . We must also make the West pay for barring us from advanced technologies .
I do n't know why a group of easily deceived =fools are so happy .
One line " government cars are localized " make the simple - minded people so excited that they forget the main problem is that most government cars should not even exist .
Even for domestically - produced government cars , a Red Flag car is sold at a price of over three hundred thousand to over six hundred thousand yuan , it 's the same as Audi , and it would not reduce the taxpayers ' burden .
I do n't know why such " superficial hype " is worth cheering .
As an old - timer , I taught all of you long ago : The " glorious development " of China 's rampant bureaucratic corruption is mostly attributable to the " cooperation " from a group of ignorant people .
Feudal ideas of this sort are far more destructive on social justice than the officials ' corruption .
I feel that localization is not a solution .
Domestically - produced cars are indeed of poor quality . If they are used on a large scale , their durability , operation , maintenance and other factors must be taken into consideration .
Perhaps these expenses will exceed those of imported cars .
Why must cars be provided ? With such high pay , they can solve this problem by themselves .
If the common people can do it , why can 't public servants do so ? 
Therefore , I think that localization will lead to increased spending of taxpayers ' money , and that the basic solution is to abolish government cars .
Do n't you want to be in line with the international community ? Why do n't government cars follow suit ? 
The government 's official procurement catalog can serve as a guide for government procurements nationwide , but it also faces many =abuses .
First , can those listed on the catalog continue to guarantee their quality ? 
Second , in order to get on the listings , will it lead to bribery and corruption ? 
Third , will those omitted from the catalog feel that they were discriminated against ? 
In fact we can adopt another method , for instance , we can stipulate the principles and standards for government procurement , determine what is necessary and unnecessary , and control the prices .
The use of domestically - produced goods , imported goods or goods from joint - ventures depends on functional requirements , 
everyone should firmly adhere to the value of using domestically - produced goods to the greatest extent .
For those people , specific personnel and their supervisors who can use domestically - produced goods but refuse to do so , their organization 's department will no longer consider their promotions .
Everyone can supervise such people , including their work units , communities , society and so on , and make them live in a state of complete transparency .