China ‘Excited’ About Cars

From April 20-29, thousands of auto industry influencers and enthusiasts descended on the Shanghai New International Expo Center in Shanghai, China, for the biennial Shanghai Auto Show. Affectionately called Shanghai Auto, the event was host to more than 200 auto makers that presented new cars ranging from SUVs to hybrid vehicles of all sizes.

In an article authored by the Associated Press, Zhang Xiaoyu, chairman of the Association of China Auto Engineering, said "I have only three words: excited, excited, excited!"

The reason for Xiaoyu’s excitement stems from the fact that a new leaf has been turned over. No longer is it just foreign car makers coming to display their vehicles in China. Now, after Shanghai Auto’s inception 18 years ago, China is leading the way by producing new, innovative, and popular vehicles. On the scene reports said Chinese cars were the biggest crowd pleasers at the show.

Geely Automobile Holdings, Chery Automobile Co, and BYD Auto made the biggest splash at Shanghai Auto.

It appears that the world’s troubled economy is impacting China auto market the least. In March, 1.1 million cars were sold in China—a record. China has sold more than the U.S. in January, February, and March 2009.