China, the world's second-biggest oil user, plans to have 60,000 alternative-energy vehicles on the roads in 10 cities by 2012 to cut pollution and fuel imports. The government will support auto makers' research in the area through financial assistance and preferential policies, Science Minister Wan Gang said in Chongqing yesterday.

The government may also give subsidies and tax breaks to organizations and people buying the vehicles, said Wang Baoan, a finance ministry official.