CHERY Automobile may delay its planned entry into the U.S. and European markets because of problems meeting tougher regulations, a senior executive said Thursday.

Lin Zhang, general manager of Chery's international operations, said at a seminar in Detroit that his company couldn't enter these markets without meeting the safety and emissions standards. He said Chery would likely enter the European market well after it delivers cars to its U.S.-based partner, Chrysler LLC.

Ford eyes launching hybrid vehicles in China

U.S. auto giant Ford Motor said Thursday it was considering launching hybrid vehicles in China, the world's second-largest automobile market.

The announcement at an industry conference in the eastern Chinese city of Jiangyin came just two weeks after rival General Motors announced plans to build an alternative fuel research center in China aimed at developing 'green' vehicles for the China market.