New-energy vehicle and battery manufacturer BYD Automobile Co said yesterday that it has won approval to produce the e6, its first pure electric car, in the country.

A BYD official said the e6 accelerated the auto maker's new-energy vehicle strategy and will help domestic car makers compete against international rivals.

China-based BYD, backed by billionaire Warren Buffet, will launch the plug-in e6 sedan in China in the first half of this year for about 300,000 yuan (US$43,988), mainly supplying government, public services and taxi fleets. BYD also plans to sell the e6 in the United States at the end of this year with a price tag of about US$40,000.

With government support, hybrid and electric vehicles are becoming an industry trend as consumers seek ways to reduce emissions to protect the environment. Demand for such vehicles has prompted car makers to increase investment and speed up engineering in the field.

General Motors plans to launch its extended-range electric car Volt in the US this year before introducing it to China in 2011. Nissan plans to launch its Leaf plug-in electric car in 2012.