Auto show on road to fresh records
- Source: Shanghai Daily
- [08:57 April 23 2010]
- Comments
With the global launch of 89 car models and 700,000 expected visitors, Auto China 2010 has already made history before it opens its doors today to enthusiastic car fans.
The biennial Beijing auto show, which runs from today to May 2, has attracted 2,100 manufacturers of autos and parts from 16 countries or regions, said the organizers.
Among the 89 new models, 14 are from international brands, double the number of the last Beijing show. Car giants have brought their signature brands to the show this year, from luxurious sedans to daily compact cars.
First-quarter auto sales in China jumped 76 percent to 3.52 million units, extending the nation's lead over the United States as the world's biggest auto market.
After a breathtaking 46 percent sales growth last year amid the global economic recession, the Chinese auto market remained a boon for major car makers hoping to achieve new sales records this year.
"The phenomenal and sustained growth of the Chinese market is attractive to all the global auto makers," said independent analyst Zhong Shi.
Many groups consider that this year's Auto China is the world's top car show, ranking along traditional giants such as Detroit and Tokyo.
"With western markets struggling with economic recession, China is transforming itself from an emerging market into a strategic market with growing importance," Zhong noted.
Officials from the State Information Center yesterday estimated that total auto sales in China this year will top 16 million, with an annual growth of 13 to 15 percent, driven by extended stimulus packages as well as the low market penetration. Sales of passenger cars are forecast to grow at a faster pace of 20 percent.
Bigger scale
Organizers of the Auto China 2010 have made ample space for a record number of participating companies.
The 200,000 square meters of show space this year is 20,000 square meters larger than the previous Beijing show in 2008. About 990 autos will be displayed in the show, 100 more than last time.
General Motors Co will debut its electric Volt MPV5 concept car and a minivan in addition to a compact sedan.
Toyota Motor Corp, whose reputation was hit by worldwide recalls to fix accelerator pedals, is going all out to build up its image in the Beijing show by occupying a record 4,800 square meters of exhibition space.
The Japanese auto maker and its partners will bring a record of about 50 models to the show, including its latest gas-electric Prius hybrid and an electric concept car.
New-energy autos
Besides the record display space and number of exhibitors, another spotlight is on the new-energy autos. The theme of the show "imagining the green future" also prompted auto makers to bring 95 such vehicles to the exhibition this year.
Home-grown maker BYD Auto brings the E6 electric car that has already made a splash in the Detroit show.
BYD, a Chinese maker of batteries and electric cars, also brings a revamped F3 electric vehicle fitted with a solar energy roof.
Toyota brings five concept cars to showcase its pioneering technology in the new-energy auto sector.
Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (Group) will unveil its E1 electric concept car at the show. It will also display its hybrid version of the Roewe 750 sedan.
