BEIJING, May 14 -- Chinese authorities on Thursday called for stronger safety oversight of new energy vehicles (NEVs) as part of efforts to ensure the sound and sustainable development of the industry.

During a video conference jointly held by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the National Fire and Rescue Administration, it was urged that vehicle manufacturers and power battery makers shoulder primary responsibility for product quality and safety, and treat such work as a top priority.

Risk prevention measures should be strengthened across the entire industrial chain, covering product research and design, manufacturing, supply chain management, operational monitoring, and after-sales service, according to the meeting.

It also called for greater efforts to guide consumers in the proper use of vehicles, intensify the screening of potential safety hazards, and firmly safeguard the safety baseline.

The three authorities said they would work with other relevant departments to carry out inspections into safety risks and defect investigations, seriously deal with corporate violations, and maintain a sound industrial development order.