HARBIN, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- In winter, dozens of automakers and auto parts manufacturers from both home and abroad will test their cars and components in Heihe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, to ensure the drivability and safety of their products.
The cold-weather vehicle testing industry has been booming in Heihe, where its roads and rivers are frozen for more than 200 days per year.
Auto enterprises hire nearly 1,000 local drivers to conduct road tests, and even more local residents are employed to work for the automobile testing. An increasing number of visitors also helps boost the retailing and catering industries in Heihe.
The period between November and March is the busiest season in Heihe, which can host up to over 100 domestic and overseas auto enterprises. The automotive testing industry has become a new engine to drive the local economy.
Over 20 automobile enterprises have established their exclusive winter testing centers in Heihe, accounting for more than 80 percent of the total winter testing centers in China.
Produced by Xinhua Global Service
