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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Chinese Mechanic Invents Amphibian Car

A motor mechanic in north China's Hebei Province has invented an amphibian car that can travel at 120 km per hour on land and 50 kph on water.


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A motor mechanic in north China's Hebei Province has invented an amphibian car that can travel at 120 km per hour on land and 50 kph on water.

Wang Hongjun, who owns a motorcycle repair shop in Qian'an City,recently demonstrated his special car to Xinhua reporters at a reservoir near the city.

The car, weighing 1.7 tons and with a streamlined exterior, reached 120 kph in slightly over 10 seconds. Wang said he could guarantee a speed of 180-190 kph if the road was good enough.

With a propeller underneath at rear, the car cruised for nearlyan hour at 50 kph in the reservoir, where the water is 30 to 40 meters deep, winning warm applause from the crowd when it came ashore.

Similar tests had been conducted a dozen times, Wang said.

He added that the car had a double-skinned chassis with air pockets so it can float.

It has taken Wang 10 years to design and build the car. He mademost of the parts himself, with a few exceptions such as the engine, transmission and wheels.

Wang now owns two patents for his car, but can't afford to apply for six other patents.

He recently rejected an offer of one million yuan for the car.

He hopes that some day the car will be made available to motoring fans.

He complained about rigid bureaucracy which is preventing him from conducting more road tests.

He said he would like to test his car on the Yellow River, the Yangtze River or even the sea, if possible.


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