Auto Extravaganza

If there were any doubts about the Chinese interest in automobiles, they were erased during Auto China 2000, a seven-day auto show held at the China International Exhibition Center.

Hot temperatures outside the exhibition center and huge crowds did not deter visitors who wanted to see vehicles on display from June 6 to 12.

Auto China 2000 was, by far, China largest, most famous and influential auto show whether judged by visitorship or the expanse of displays or the number of deals made. It featured more than 1,000 auto companies from 23 countries and regions, including the United States, Germany, Sweden, Italy, France, Russia, Holland, Britain, Australia, Canada, Japan, Korean, Malaysia, Spanish, Singapore and Taiwan. Foreign auto producers in China, including Mercedez-Benz, BMW, General Motors, the Volkswagen Group, and Ford, and domestic auto producers, including First Automotive Works, Dongfeng Motors, Shanghai Automobiles and Changan Auto, displayed their newest vehicles.

The theme of the show was romote the take-off of the new century and demonstrate the advanced technology of the auto industry. It attracted a daily average of more than 40,000 visitors. Visitors to the sixth annual exhibition were keen to learn more about the latest auto designs.

Distinguishing Features

The most charming products were high-tech concept automobiles. The BMW 323CI four-seat open car hinted at future trends in the auto business. Audi, a Volkswagen Group auto maker, displayed its All-road Quatto, TT Super Sports, A8, S4 and A6 cars. General Motors promoted the Buick Rendezvous, Cadillac Evoq and Chevron Triax. The Evoq was awarded the est Concept Car at the 1999 North American Auto Exhibition in Detroit. Chinese visitors feasted their eyes on the new technologies and innovative ideas of the world auto industry and got an indication of how Chinese auto makers have fallen behind.

But domestic auto makers did get some attention and raised a few eyebrows. No. 1 Automotive Works showed its seven-meter-long Hongqi, the top luxury car in its line. Beijing Jeep Challenger was the first world-level multifunctional vehicle developed independently in China. The Challenger took the place of the 30-year-old BJ2020, and will be marketed in 2002. Dongfeng Auto introduced two new types of Shenlong Citroens. Web companies were also involved in the show.

VeryAuto.com reported on the auto exhibition on its website, providing an electric guide map and information on vehicles at the show to the delight of visitors. China.com joined Netease.com and other websites to produce an on-line TV transmission.

Three Unexpecteds

China likely membership in the World Trade Organization stimulated the enthusiasm of auto producers and potential buyers and helped explain Auto China 2000 unprecedented appeal.

When journalists interviewed the domestic producers, they said there were three things about the event they had not expected.

The international car makers hadn been expected to bring so many advanced vehicles. The cars on exhibition represented the top cars in the world. Many of the cars were either newly invented or were introduced to China for their first time. A case in point was the C car promoted by Mercedez Benz. C cars are among the best in the world technologically speaking with 10 top features including an auxiliary braking system and steering wheels and seats that move with a driver when getting in or out of the car.

The international car makers did everything they could to promote their image. Some invited jazz bands, some used modern dancers and others, such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW even allowed visitors to get in their cars and experience them themselves.

Although famous foreign cars got a lot of attention during the show, China? domestic vehicles were also surrounded by enthusiastic visitors, who inquired about functions and prices. It appeared these visitors were not taking a wait-and-see attitude on buying a car. On the contrary, they seemed to be inquiring about the cars they intended to buy tomorrow.