Beijing issues new rules to regulate auto dealerships

In a move to protect consumers and impose order in the auto market, Beijing is now requiring automobile dealerships to be authorized by an automaker, or by a licensed general distributor beginning April 1, according to state media. China's auto dealers will have a six-month period to become authorized. Conversely, auto firms or their general auto distributors, would only be allowed to sell vehicles to authorized dealerships, and not sell directly to end users.