Guangzhou rolled out on Monday its new-energy vehicle subsidy policies, as the city became the first to officially introduce such incentives nationwide.

Effective from December, energy-saving car buyers are entitled to a 10,000 yuan ($1,605) rebate from the municipal government, giving a boost to the sluggish sales of hybrid car models, according to the website of Guangzhou Small and Medium-Sized Passenger Car Control Administration Office.

Green car owners are also granted free car number plates. Conventional car users need to bid for a plate at a bottom price of 10,000 yuan, a regulation introduced in August to curb the growth in waste gas emissions and ease the congestion.

The bureau has added 1,220 new car plates this month to individual and company electric vehicle buyers through the lottery system, the office announced. The total number is now 17,880.

Buyers must apply for the subsidy within three months after the car is registered at the local transportation bureau.

hewei@chinadaily.com.cn