Chinese and global automakers showcase station wagons and SUVs at the Shanghai Auto Show to attract buyers from the People's Republic. The competition for the Beijing market is increasingly strong for an area on the rise in terms of consumption.
The Shanghai Auto Show takes place every two years and has quickly become one of the most important events in the sector, especially since China overtook the United States in 2009 as the largest car market by units sold. Auto sales in China rose 13% in March, outperforming Western markets (albeit underperforming the +45% in 2009). With weak sales in major markets, manufacturers nonetheless see China as a key area and are investing in marketing and technology to secure their place in the sun.
"The market has become very competitive," said Bob Socia, president of the China arm of General Motors. The exhibition this year features 800 models, from compact cars to sports cars priced in excess of a million dollars. GM, for example, is showing 53 models of its Buick, Cadillac and Chevrolet units as well as local brands Baojun and Wuling. Ford Motor has unveiled a new version of the Mondeo sedan and sporty models of the small Focus ST aimed at the Chinese middle class. Fiat presents a Viaggio sedan, specifically designed for the Chinese market, and the Freemont SUV.
Attachments: China Post
