Private Passenger Vehicles in Urban China

Abstract: Rapid economic growth and rising income levels have driven private vehicle sales in China. Within just three decades, China has developed to the world’s largest automobile market. This thesis aims at determining the factors which affect passenger vehicle populations in Chinese cities. An OLS regression using cross-sectional data reveals that large variations exist across cities in eastern, central and western China. On national level, the total population of a city has a negative impact on private vehicle levels and available roadway is enhancing private vehicle levels. Private vehicle levels are detached from other modes of transportation due to the psychosocial value of car ownership. Policy makers need to adapt to contemporary developments and integrate modes of transportation to ensure the development of sustainable urban transportation.