Nearly 1,000 Car Models To Be Featured At This Year's Event#
This Friday, the Beijing Auto Show is set to kick off. With all of the world's major automakers and Chinese hopefuls like BYD and Geely taking part, and nearly 1,000 models set to be displayed at the massive, 200,000 sq. meter China International Exhibition Center, the scale of the event should reflect that of the Chinese auto market itself, which surpassed the U.S. to become the world's largest in 2009.
Today, in preparation for the show, Reuters highlights some of the most important premieres that international as well as domestic Chinese manufacturers have planned in the week ahead, some of which we've written about over the past few weeks.The top "models to watch," at the Beijing Auto Show, as chosen by Reuters:
1.) Mercedes E-Series Long Version#
The model, which will be on sale in June, will only be available in China, where there is a large market for chauffeur-driven executives and officials.
2.) BMW 5 Series Long Version#
The model is manufactured by BMW's China joint venture with Brilliance Auto in Shenyang. It will also be available only in China.
3.) Audi A8 Long Version#
4.) Ferrari 599 GTO#
5.) Volkswagen Phaeton#
6.) Porsche Panamera V6#
7.) BYD (3 models)#
Highlight for the Chinese car and battery maker will be S6 model, its first sports utility vehicle (SUV).
8.) Geely (11 models)#
Showcases 39 models in total, including sedans, SUVs, multi-purpose vehicles (MPV), pick-ups and sports cars.
9.) Honda#
- Set to announce plans to add a high-end model to its line-up at Guangqi Honda, a joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile.
- Another joint venture, Dongfeng Honda, a 50-50 venture with Dongfeng Motor Group Co, will showcase a new concept model for its own brand, Linian, which is due to launch sales in 2011.
Keep an eye out for Jing Daily's coverage of the Beijing Auto Show, starting this Friday.