China completes vehicle reform for government

China has successfully completed its government car reform and taken out 3,868 cars from service, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said on Tuesday.

A total of 3,868 official cars across 140 central government departments were taken out of service by the end of 2015, Xinhua news agency reported.

All impounded cars, after their legal documents were verified, were 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.

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

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