China's first 50 gas-electric hybrid buses were put in use Monday in Changchun, capital of northeastern Jilin Province.

The 12-meter long CA6120 URH2 type hybrid buses can cut carbon emission by 30 percent, said Cui Shusen, president of Changchun Public Transport Group.

The buses were specially designed and manufactured for Changchun, a city with rich gas resources, by First Automobile Works Group (FAW), one of China's leading automaker, Cui added.

The city will soon launch another 50 gas-electric buses, Cui said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 2, 2010)