China's Ministry of Commerce and eight other government agencies have issued a package of measures aimed at expanding the country's automotive aftermarket, covering vehicle modification, recreational vehicles, maintenance services, insurance products, motorsports and car rentals.

The measures call for the establishment of a regulatory framework for vehicle modifications, including a classification system for modification projects, updated inspection standards and improved registration procedures. Authorities also plan to develop national standards for modification parts and technologies.

To support the recreational vehicle (RV) industry, the document encourages local governments to optimize road-use policies for RVs, streamline campground approvals and expand supporting infrastructure and services. It also calls for the development of RV manufacturing clusters and the promotion of smarter and more environmentally friendly RV products.

In the new energy vehicle sector, the measures seek to improve access to repair services and spare parts. Automakers will not be allowed to restrict consumers' choice of maintenance providers or use third-party servicing as grounds to deny warranty obligations. Authorities also pledged to encourage vehicle and battery manufacturers to expand access to repair technologies and improve the availability of maintenance services.

The document further calls for the development of innovative insurance products for new energy vehicles, support for motorsports events and talent development, and the expansion of car rental services, including one-way rentals and lease-to-own models.

The measures were jointly issued by nine government departments, including the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the National Financial Regulatory Administration.