The recently concluded Beijing Motor Show, saw almost all auto makers displaying their expertise with a bang. No wonder there are reports of more than 900 cars being displayed.
Big is beautiful for the country with the largest population. China is one of the fastest growing automobiles market in the world and is untouched by the overall global slowdown. It the market where all major auto makers are posting double digit growth rates and is a market no one can afford to miss.
As per reports, the Beijing Motor Show saw a mix of both the small cars, crossovers and the big SUVs being showcased at the country where the market is booming like never before. What was interesting was the fact that no one was over emphasising on the small car movement here, while the demand for big car remained potent as ever. Maybe the new rich Chinese are potential customers for every luxury car maker and so the big American style cars were displayed with pomp and show.
ET Automania checked out which automakers made news internationally and whether there was anything interesting for India at the Chinese biggest auto show.
German auto maker Audi stole the show by globally launching the all new Q5. The second in the Q series, the sporty SUV would be competing with the likes of BMW X3 and X5. The car is likely to be first launched in Europe this year. It is loaded with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and a drive select control system and the lamps cluster would be sporting LED technology.
Some of the other interesting features that caught our eye included electromechanical parking brake, an intelligent chip key, a climate control system and a display screen in the instrument cluster depicting, among other things, the recommended (in the cluster) ideal gear for efficient driving in the given situation. The Audi Q5 is expected to be available in three engine variants - one petrol and two diesel variants, and all of them would have a direct-injection models with a turbocharger.
The smaller sibling of Q7, the company is expecting to cross the 2 lakh mark in China this year. Chances of Q5 are low this year in India, however the luxury car maker is going to get the recently launched Q7, in its diesel avatar, Q5 is likely to be more popular as it would be priced lower than Q7 and might come in 2009.
Most international reports suggest that China is likely to touch 10 million vehicles by this year end. Perhaps one of the reasons why every auto maker turned in full force in China, is that the country’s economy is likely to turn the fortunes of the ailing American car industry. No wonder the General Motors and Ford Motor made sure they woo the Chinese consumer with complete delight and latest concepts.
General Motors had a display with several concept vehicles from the E-Flex family, the platform which is based on the fuel cell technology. The company’s sport SUV Escalade of course was the most popular exhibits. The company is considered to be a favourite of the Chinese consumers and has experienced success with its Chevrolet and Buick brands.
Some of the vehicles under the E-flex family included Chevrolet Volte, Cadillac Provoq and Opel Flextreme. The E-Flex system uses an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery to propel the vehicle. An onboard engine, which may be powered by a variety of fuel sources, generates additional electricity to replenish the battery and extend the vehicle’s driving range.
What the Beijing Auto Show also witnessed this year was the Cadillac Escalade hybrid which would launched in China next year. Cadillac Escalade is powered by a fuel saving 2-Mode Hybrid system. Not to forget Buick Invicta, a concept that has been largely been designed and developed in China for its domestic market.As far as India is concerned none of that would be seen in India in the near future. It is interesting to note that American and Japanese car makers are increasingly making India and China their manufacturing hubs.
Archrival American auto maker Ford Motor was not far behind. The auto car maker launched the all new Ford Fiesta, which was earlier unveiled in the Detroit Motor Show. Starting from Europe it is expected to be launched in all parts of the globe by 2010. As far as India is concerned, the buzz is that Ford is studying the possibility to enter the small car market with the Ford Fiesta compact earlier unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.
Japanese auto maker Toyota showcased about seven concepts from the Toyota and Lexus badge. One of the interesting ones was of course the FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept, a futuristic sports car that would be powered by a 400-horsepower hybrid powertrain. The company plans to start production of FT-HS some time next year. Firing up a car owners senses, the company also showcased its hybrid X, which is likely to be the future of Toyota Prius. Others that were showcased included i-REAL and IQ.
Also a lot of media attention went to the Toyota A-BAT, the concept truck which offers customers the versatility of hauling a standard 4x8 sheet of plywood one day, then taking a family on a camping trip to the lake the next.
Other Japanese powerhouse, Honda’s most interesting product for display was launch of a new brand line-up LI NINAN which would be sold through the Guangzhou Honda sales network. The design of the LI NIAN SUV Concept was the first futuristic brand of the company. Honda also showcased its all-new Fit at the show.
Nissan also grabbed attention with its new China flagship model the made in China ‘Taena’, which perhaps its most expensive model and remodelled on its Intima concept. The other interesting concepts the car maker showcased were Pivo2 concept, which can move in four directions which uses robotics to connect the car and driver with sensations. The car’s 360 degree revolving cabin helps in making the front door accessible from any direction. Other interesting products were the NV200 and TIIDA.
Volkswagen’s launched the premium Lavida, which is called as the ‘mini Phaeton’ by the Chinese media. It’s a high-end product and is based on the VW Jetta platform. Other interesting models included Passat, Sagitar, Bora and the Magotan, as well as older Jetta, Santana, Santana 3000 and Santana Vista models. A new sister model, the VW Bora, was also launched on Wednesday.
And finally the largest selling brand in the country Chery. The car maker which largely makes small car, introduced its Faria range and A3 model. The Faria family has seven B-segment models The basic Faria NN model offers a 3-door and 5-door bodystyle. The Faria HH is a 4-door sedan version with extended rear overhang, while the Faria JJ is a highrider wagon. Then there’s sporty 3-door Coupe version with a lower roof and all-new skin panels called Faria YY, complete with a cabrio version, also displayed here at Beijing.
The A3 is a compact C-segment model available in four-door or five-door bodystyles and the co-ordinated presentation of the cars - all in silver - had a all new design and gave a sophisticated impression to the Chinese car maker pavilion.
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