Subsidies to lure car buyers

BEING the first regional auto fair since the easing of COVID19 situation in China, the 22nd Chongqing auto show is offering subsidies to attract potential car buyers.

Around 80 brands from 29 countries and regions are showcasing more than 1,000 vehicles at the June 13-21 Chongqing International Auto Exhibition.

The Chongqing City government, organizer of the exhibition at the Chongqing International Expo Center, and automakers are offering around 100 million yuan (US$14.1 million) in benefits and subsidies for car buyers. These include subsidies for new vehicles, and coupons and discounts on cars and maintenance services.

Chongqing’s commerce commission is giving red envelopes containing 2,000 yuan to auto show customers who purchase new vehicles and sell, transfer or scrap their old cars.

Automakers, including FAW Mazda, Hongqi, and Lexus, have issued coupons to be used when buying cars during the event.

Highlights of the show this year are new-energy vehicles, intelligent and connected vehicles, and fifth generation and related technologies.

Due to the epidemic, this year’s exhibition is using an online ticket purchase and reservation system, monitoring the number of visitors in four time periods throughout the day, and implementing restrictions on reservation numbers. Visitors need to make reservations, wear masks, have their temperatures checked and show their health code before entering the exhibition center.

Zhang Xiaofeng, an independent market analyst, said the number of people participating in the show this year was lower than in previous years, but the difference was minimal. Zhang noted that some customers were taking a wait-and-see attitude and not buying vehicles at the start of the exhibition.