It is the second batch of hybrids Changan has sold to the municipality. In 2009, Changan delivered 82 units to Nanchang.

The deal is the largest Changan has completed so far for its hybrid sedan. The automaker's overall hybrid sales now total 500 units, the state-owned automaker said in a statement.

The vehicle, which is based on Changan's gasoline-powered Joice MPV, is a so-called "light hybrid."

It is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated to an integrated starter generator and nickel-metal hydride batteries.

The vehicle consumes 6.8 liters of fuel for every 100 kilometers in tests, about 20 percent less than the gasoline version. Maximum speed is 160 kilometers per hour.

Changan says it developed all of the vehicle's key hybrid components.

Aside from Nanchang, Changan has sold most of its hybrids to two southwest China cities, Chongqing and Kunming.

The municipalities use these vehicles as taxis or government fleet cars.

Changan, which is headquartered in Chonqing, sold 1.1 million gasoline-powered minivans and cars last year.

It runs two joint ventures with the Ford-Mazda alliance and Suzuki Motor Corp.