The officials, who refused to be named, were commenting on recent media reports saying the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) had approved the Chinese machinery maker's acquiring Hummer.

Sichuan Tengzhong did not say in its application to the National Development and Reform Commission that it would produce Hummer in China, or acquire Hummer's assets or stake in parent company General Motors (GM).

An MOC official also denied media reports the ministry had given a green light to the deal, saying Tengzhong had only said it would purchase the Hummer brand in its application.

The ministry has asked Tengzhong to make clear whether it intended to buy the Hummer's patent or its technology.

The Chengdu-based company signed a memorandum of understanding with GM in early June to buy Hummer.