Global carmakers showcase latest models at trade expo
Carmakers from around the globe are showcasing their latest models and technologies at the ongoing China International Import Expo, demonstrating their confidence in the further potential of the world's largest automotive market.
In the first three quarters of the year, more than 17.11 million vehicles were sold in the country, despite the coronavirus pandemic, according to the statistics from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
General Motors, the largest carmaker in the United States, is presenting the latest-generation of its iconic Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and its full-size SUVs under its GMC, Cadillac and Chevrolet marques.
Julian Blissett, president of GM China, said GM is committed to introducing the best products, technologies and services into China to seize new growth opportunities and benefit customers and partners.
The Corvette Stingray, Chevrolet's most powerful coupe, sports a 6.2-liter engine and can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in three seconds.
The Cadillac Escalade ESV is another highlight of GM's booth at the CIIE. Due to its Super Cruise system, the giant SUV can now change lanes automatically on expressways in the United States.
It also features the industry's first curved OLED interior display, which has twice the pixel density of a 4K TV. This leading-edge technology enables bold imagery, perfect blacks and the largest color range available in the automotive arena.
German premium carmaker BMW is attending the CIIE for the third time. It is presenting seven imported models including the i8 Roadster and the 7 Series sedan.
Jochen Goller, president and
CEO of BMW Region China, said BMW sees the CIIE as the symbol of China's continuous opening-up, and this year's event is particularly significant because of the pandemic.
“China was the first country to successfully fight the pandemic among major global economies. Thanks to that, our business in China is also recovering quickly,” Goller said.
Statistics show that BMW's 2020 sales in the first three quarters were 6.4 percent more than the same period of 2019, which Goller said was a “very hard-earned result in this very unusual year”.
“We are confident in the longterm prospect of the Chinese market and will continue to invest in the country,” Goller said.
German carmaker Daimler has brought a comprehensive lineup of models including the MercedesMaybach Pullman, Mercedes-Benz G-Glass SUV and the MercedesBenz Arocs truck to Shanghai.
Hubertus Troska, a Daimler AG board member responsible for China, said: “We are happy to see that this year's CIIE is taking place as scheduled. It's a strong sign for both China's continuous recovery
from COVID-19 and its further opening-up to global companies like Daimler.
“The fact I like most about CIIE is, that it is not only promoting free trade, globalization and innovation, but it is also focusing on what is actually our most important asset at Daimler and MercedesBenz in China, our customers.”
Daimler's Mercedes-Benz is one of the most popular premium brands in China, which is also the brand's largest market worldwide.
In the third quarter this year, over 220,000 vehicles were delivered, up 23.4 percent year-on-year. From January to September, almost 570,000 vehicles were sold in China, up 8.3 percent from the same period last year.
As the largest British exporter to China, Jaguar Land Rover is presenting eight imported models at the event, including the Land Rover Defender off-roader and the Jaguar I-PACE SUV.
Wang Yan, vice-president of Jaguar Land Rover China, said this year's CIIE is of great significance, showing China's determination to push forward high-level opening up.
The British premium carmaker, which has participated in the CIIE three years in a row, said it will attend the event in 2021 as well.
Italian-American carmaker Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is showcasing models including the Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV, in an effort to build its environmentallyfriendly SUV brands and show pure Italian performance.
“FCA is looking forward to enhancing our close connection and emotional resonance with our consumers at the CIIE through our flagship brands in China,” said Massimiliano Trantini, chief operating officer of FCA Asia Pacific.
“The influence of Jeep and Alfa Romeo far exceeds the product itself. They represent a unique lifestyle, a spirit of adventure as well as an enthusiasm for cars and racing sports, which will offer an unique experience to Chinese consumers.”
German carmaker Volkswagen Group, together with its Audi and Porsche brands, is highlighting electric vehicles at the event.
Liu Yunfeng, vice-president of Volkswagen Group China, said China's dual circulation strategy has boosted foreign companies' confidence in the country.
He said Volkswagen has attended the event three years in a row, and has announced it will invest 15 billion euros with its local partners in e-mobility.
Japanese carmaker Toyota is presenting its new energy vehicles, ranging from Toyota's Levin E+ to the Lexus UX300e. Toyota has sold over 1 million electrified vehicles in China.
As a major player in fuel cell vehicles, the carmaker is demonstrating its fuel cell-related technologies at the CIIE, including its high-pressure hydrogen storage unit and the fuel-cell Coaster vehicle that will be made in China.
Toyota is also showcasing the GR Supra and the GR Yaris, both of which are making their Chinese premieres.