An Olympic debut

The Chinese Chery Automobile Company is supplying 50 hybrid vehicles as part of the transportation scheme for the Beijing Olympics.

Known as the 'Olympics Green Messengers', the cars, co-developed by UK-based Ricardo, are some of China's first hybrid vehicles.

Two new vehicles, both based on Chery's existing A5 sedan model, are being launched at the games by the auto manufacturer.

The first is a stop-start hybrid based on a 12V Belt Starter-Generator (BSG) linked to a 1.6 litre petrol engine, which is itself linked to a five-speed manual transmission.

The second is a more comprehensive mild-hybrid based on the same baseline vehicle but equipped with a 1.3 litre petrol engine and a 12kW crankshaft-mounted 151V Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG).

The vehicles are due to enter full production shortly and will be available for both domestic Chinese and export markets.