According to a report released by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the number of privately owned cars will exceed the 100 million mark during the first quarter of 2013. State media Guangming Daily expressed concern about road congestion, air pollution, a shortage of energy, and a scarcity of land. In 2000, China entered into a 10 year boom in the automobile market. In 2010, China became the largest automobile market in the world, 5 years ahead of the original projection of 2015. Guangming further stated that there are over 5.6 million automobiles in Beijing where the roads are designed to carry only 4 million. Traffic congestion is intensifying and pollution is rapidly getting worse. In addition, in 2012 China imported 59% of the crude oil it consumed.
Source: Guangming reprinted by Xinhua, February 20, 2013
http://news.xinhuanet.com/fortune/2013-02/20/c_114730723.htm