Chinese Cities Give Toyota Boost in Hunt for Hybrid Buyers

China’s former leader Deng Xiaoping famously quipped that it doesn’t matter if a cat is black or white, so long as it catches mice. When it comes to environmentally-friendly cars that might help clear up the nation’s polluted skies, China has ignored Deng’s advice -- to the detriment of Toyota Motor Corp.’s lineup of hybrid cars. That may soon change.

Tianjin and Guangzhou, home to Toyota’s local joint ventures, are becoming the first cities to let buyers of new Levin and Corolla hybrids enter lotteries usually restricted to plug-in cars, virtually guaranteeing access to coveted new license plates. The cities are rewarding Toyota for sharing some hybrid technology and know-how with local partners.