Global carmakers show off SUVs, electrics as China promises reforms

BEIJING: Global carmakers are touting their latest electric and SUV models in Beijing as China promises a more level playing field in the world’s largest auto market where domestic vehicles are making major inroads.

Industry behemoths like Volkswagen, Daimler, Toyota, Nissan, Ford and others are displaying more than 1,000 models and dozens of concept cars at the Beijing auto show.

Thousands of Chinese auto enthusiasts are expected to wander the halls of the mega exhibition centre this week, with electric cars and fuel-guzzling sport-utility vehicles grabbing the spotlight.

Nissan presented its first Made in China electric car produced for Chinese consumers, the fourdoor Sylphy Zero Emission, with a drive range of 338 kilometres.

“The new Sylphy Zero Emission is the next step in our electrification strategy for China,” said Jose Munoz, Nissan’s chief performance officer, adding that the company will unveil 20 electrified models over the next five years.

China currently restricts foreign auto firms to a maximum 50 per cent ownership of joint ventures with local companies.

The changes will end shareholding limits for new energy vehicle firms as soon as this year, followed by commercial vehicles in 2020 and passenger cars in 2022.

Foreign carmakers who account for more than half of vehicle sales in China have cautiously welcomed the changes, with VW saying it has “strong” local partners in their joint ventures.

“This will have no impact on our JVs. But the overreaching principle is important. Hopefully, liberalisation will as well help for fair competition, and having a level playing field,” Jochem Heizmann, CEO of Volkswagen Group China, told reporters.

Chinese consumers are following their American peers toward SUVs while policymakers in Beijing push an all-electric future.

Ride-sharing is also on the up. On Tuesday Didi -- China’s answer to Uber -- announced it had joined forces with some 30 partners, including Renault and Volkswagen, to develop vehicles and products specifically tailored for ride-sharing. —AFP