Owning a car a fading dream in China?

GUANGZHOU, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Huang Jie, a 26-year-old professional working in Guangzhou, felt lucky when hearing his Beijing friends complain that they couldn't buy a car freely due to the capital's car number plates issuance lottery.

But Huang doesn't feel so fortunate anymore, since just last week the bustling southern city launched a car quota system.

The city government announced on the night of June 30 that starting July it would only allow 120,000 passenger vehicles to be registered over a one-year trial period, during which only 10,000 licenses will be handed out each month.

The city said more detailed car quota plans will be issued by the end of July.

Having got his driver's license and saved up money to buy his first car, Huang felt frustrated and upset on hearing the news.

Over the years as Chinese have earned more, their dreams of car ownership have become increasingly realizable.

Due to local policies, however, even if they can afford to buy one, often they can't legally do so.