As China's middle class expands, hundreds of thousands of new car owners are hitting the roads each year, driving up imports of luxury cars, snarling traffic, creating a car culture and reveling in what many Chinese describe as a newfound sense of freedom.

In China today, owning a car is what owning a television set was in 1950s America.

Contrast this with the Klinkenborg piece. Then recall:

China’s catching up alone would roughly double world consumption rates.

Now, take care to replace that incandescent lamp with an energy efficient fixture, and don't forget to turn it off when you leave the room!

Creating a Car Culture in China