Beijing car registration lottery favours outsiders with money

A manager, surnamed Yang, from Beijing Hengyi Zhongbao Automobile Company in Fengtai district, said that out-of-town buyers will pay around 30,000 yuan ($4,710) to "rent" a person's registration, usually a Beijinger who already owns a car and does not need another.

"Without winning the car plate lottery, non-local car buyers are not allowed to buy Volkswagen vehicles here, which are much cheaper than in other cities," said Yang.

For example, certain models sell in Beijing for around 58,000 yuan less, he said.

But after purchasing the car, buyers will then give back the registration, and re-register the vehicle in their hometown.