Fuel: Buyers have more choices

oil will promote the performance of both divisions, and will help Sinopec Corp to enlarge its market,” she said.

“It is believed Sinopec Corp will cooperate with more partners, enabling diverse brands to meet demands of various customers.”

Sinopec Corp’s car sales foray follows a new set of regulations that took effect on July 1, replacing the decades-old policies that a car seller must be authorized by a carmaker. The new regime is expected to spawn more economical sales channels.

A dealer can now choose to be authorized by a carmaker or not, and is allowed to sell multiple brands.

Sinopec Corp said it would consider cooperating with more cultural media corporations and online automotive retailers to further expand its auto sales. Sinopec is not alone in taking advantage of the new policies. Gome Electric Appliances and Suning Holdings are also making a foray into car sales based on their nationwide networks.

However, Zhao warned that it is hard for Sinopec Corp to convert automobile sales into a large-scale business, as it has a fixed number of fuel stations, and lacks relevant experience and talent pool.

Agreed Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association. In the short term, alternative car sales channels pose no threat to traditional authorized dealers, he said.

This is a great opportunity for Sinopec Corp to gain market share . . .”

director of the international trade research department at the China Council for Promotion of International Trade

Zheng Yiran contributed to the story.