Demand for electric car technology raises concern

Shanghai: A tentative move by China's government to force foreign suppliers of electric-vehicle components to share technology and team up with Chinese companies has raised eyebrows, but few foreign companies have scaled back their big plans for the world's largest auto market.

Since April 1, China's top economic planner has floated the idea on its website that foreign players who supply green vehicles and parts must partner with local firms and cap their holdings at 50 per cent, a major setback for companies like Delphi Automotive. But nearly all industry players, from Johnson Controls to Valeo SA, are gearing up to secure a foothold in a country where 10 per cent of the vehicles on the road could be electric by 2020.