BIZCHINA> New Models
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BIZCHINA> New Models
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Shanghai Auto Show to highlight fuel-efficient cars
(AP)
Updated: 2007-04-20 19:44 Major automakers are pulling out all the stops to show off dozens of vehicles at the Shanghai Auto Show starting this weekend, highlighting China's rapid evolution from "bicycle kingdom" into the world's second-biggest, fastest-growing vehicle market.
The show, which opens Sunday, comes five months after General Motors, Volkswagen AG, Toyota and other companies showcased new vehicles at a packed Beijing convention center. Their willingness to spend so heavily on two auto shows just months apart clearly signals China's growing importance. "Automakers are more and more considering the shows in China as A-level shows, alongside New York, Tokyo, Paris, Frankfurt and Geneva," said Trevor Hale, a spokesman for DaimlerChrysler AG. Sunday is also Earth Day, and growing public concern about pollution is reflected in automakers' plans to show an array of electric and hybrid models. But even before the biennial event officially kicks off, there will be dozens of press events Friday and Saturday, when up-and-coming Chinese competitors hope they can grab some of the limelight. China's Shanghai Automotive Industries Corp. says it will display a fuel-cell sedan that can reach speeds of 93 mph (148 kph). General Motors Corp., the market leader in China, says it will display the newest version of its Chevrolet Volt, a long-distance electric car, among 40 models at its 4,500-square-meter (45,000-square-foot) stand. Ford Motor Co.'s 52 models at the show will include a hybrid SUV, the Ford Escape. DaimlerChrysler plans to show 50 vehicles from its Mercedes, Chrysler and Dodge divisions. Japan's Nissan Motor Co. will showcase a half-dozen models that it manufactures with a Chinese partner, plus its imported 350Z. Reports by the automotive press say Germany's BMW AG will unveil its new Z9 concept sports car. Chinese automakers that are trying to ramp up exports hope the show will give them a global audience. They sold 325,000 vehicles abroad last year, mostly low-cost trucks and buses. (For more biz stories, please visit Industries)
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