The Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, which wrapped up on April 28th, was considered to be a carnival for auto fans, a ball for auto enterprises and a festival for auto personages. The biennial event is widely recognized as a weather vane for automotive developmental and consuming trends in China as well as in Asia.
The Exhibition put to use for the first time the new China International Exhibition Center, with a total exhibition area of over 180,000 square meters. Attending were about 2,100 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions. The number of cars exhibited reached a new high of 890, among which were 55 concept cars, and seven international brand cars made their global début; 24 made their Asian début.
This auto pageant boasts a great variety of cars made in and beyond China, offering a visual feast to the audience.
Harmonic Dynamics
One theme of the show, “harmony,” offered more prominence to the harmonious bounds between nature and humans. Due to decreasing sources of fossil fuel-based energy and environmental pollution in modern times, displays of techniques concerning energy saving and environment protection were the highlight of the auto show. Relieving the strain on the environment and finding new substitute sources are the developmental trends for the automobile industry. During this event, bio-diesel fuel, hybrid, electronic-drive and composite fuels were featured.
Themed “Green Future,” Shanghai GM launched four brands and 32 models, featuring the mainstream idea of “Green, Technology and Internationalization.” The eco-friendly Cadillac Provoq Concept and Escalade Hybrid, also featured at the North American International Auto Show, drew big audiences.
The CIVIC Hybrid for mass-production by joint venture Dongfeng Honda employed the most advanced hybrid drive system and a new regenerative braking system to raise fuel efficiency and increase riding comfort.
Mercedes-Benz showed off its “Green Luxury” concept by focusing on high performance and low oil consumption of its exalted auto models. They also put forth innovative products for the future – BLUETECH and Hybrid technology models and new-generation fuel cell vehicles.
A leading enterprise of the Chinese auto industry, Chery displayed its “Silver Sea and Green Land” series, consisting of diesel, hybrid, fuel cell and flexible fuel vehicles. Hafei Auto enlarged its ∏ series by promoting a new model with the K11A engine and automated mechanical transmission (AMT). CHANA Auto displayed its hybrid-electric vehicles, Joice, which just rolled off the line; BYD Auto also presented their hybrid vehicles, such as the F6; Geely featured its methanol and other new energy vehicles.
China Chariots
Chinese domestic auto companies like Shanghai Automotive Corporation (Group), Chery Auto and Geely Auto all brought their self-developed brands to the show, accounting for one-third of the total number of cars. Except for household vans and economy vehicles, which were once the mainstream of local products, self-developed high-end concept vehicles also took to the stage.
Geely GT, a concept sports car promoted by Geely Auto, made a big splash at the show. Targeting upscale markets, Geely GT began to use the new logo specially designed for high-end products of Geely Auto. Blending traditional Hongqi (Red Flag) design style and modern concept, the Hongqi SUV concept vehicles employ totally self-developed V12, V8 and V6 engines by FAW-Volkswagen. The CHANA concept sports car Qingcheng was the first hydrogen-powered vehicle among China-made brands.
In terms of monthly sales volume of passenger vehicle, Chery Auto ranked at third place in China. Enjoying the success of QQ series, Chery Auto continued its mini style, coming up with Faira set including five mini cars: BB, JJ, HH, YY and NN. The king of the mini car, Chery with its small-displacement car reinforced its determination to carry through energy saving and emission reduction.
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| Foreign car-makers consider the latest in Chinese automobile craftsmanship. |
After 10 years of cooperation, Shanghai Volkswagen gradually obtained the ability of independent research and development. Pictured is the engine independently designed and manufactured by Shanghai Volkswagen. |
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