BEIJING, Oct. 29 (Xinhuanet) -- The European Automobile Manufacturers Association, which comprises 13 major European car, truck and bus producers, announced the opening of a representative office in Beijing at a press conference here Friday.

    Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder, CEO of Volkswagen AG and rotating President of the association, said this decision reflects the importance of the Chinese market and its growing impact on the European motor vehicle industry.

    Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder said the main purpose of the office is to promote communication and coordination with Chinese policy makers and strengthen cooperation with Chinese partners in the fields of emission standards, environmental protection and automobile safety.

    Most members of the association have significant operations in China, conducted through joint-ventures with Chinese companies. These joint venture companies account for half of China's car production. Investments by European manufacturers represent 60 percent of foreign direct investment in China's automobile industry, according to the association.

    Beijing is the second overseas representative office of the association, which has earlier opened an office in Tokyo in 1995. Enditem