Following the holiday, BAIC announced that it has submitted its request for production of its new own-made car the C70G, sources reported on Oct 9. According to the report, BAIC may be able to attain a production permit as early as the end of this year.

"The research work regarding the product has been entirely completed," Lin Yi, executive director of BAIC's new energy vehicle branch said. "[We are] just waiting for inspection from the relevant departments." Due to complicated logistics, the program will take some time to certify, he added.

The fate of the C70G has been the subject of intense media speculation. According to national guidelines, manufacturers must gain approval from the National Development and Reform Commission before producing any new sedans.

The car will be part of a planned lineup of over 20 models ranging from minis and compacts to SUVs and crossovers. According to Chairman Xu Heyi, BAIC is planning to create nine new platforms by 2015.

In other news, BAIC announced that the Saab-based C7G will be produced in November, though the manufacturer has yet to gain government approval.