The 15th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition Ends in Success

SHANGHAI--May 9, 2013: The 15th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai 2013) with the tagline "Innovation for Better Life" ended in success on April 29.

Auto Shanghai 2013, with a combined show space of 280,000 square meters, brought together 2,000 Chinese and foreign exhibitors from 18 countries and regions worldwide. Up to 1,300 complete vehicles were on display at the event, including 69 concept cars and 91 new energy vehicles, while 111 new models had their world premiere at the event. In addition to 813,000 visitor arrivals, the show attracted 10,493 journalists from 2,718 domestic and foreign news media organizations who provided on-site reporting of the event. The successful conclusion of Auto Shanghai 2013 created an excellent platform for exchange and cooperation between global carmakers, drawing wide attention from the automobile industry and from every community across China.

After a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Ya'an City, Sichuan Province on April 20 (Press Day), causing many fatalities and injuries, the organizers of Auto Shanghai 2013 immediately decided to donate 1 million yuan (approx. US$160,000) to the earthquake relief efforts. Automakers, journalists and visitors on site also joined the efforts by taking part in a variety of care activities, spreading positive energy for earthquake relief efforts at Auto Shanghai 2013.

Summit Forum for brainstorming and opinion exchange

On April 19, the organizers held the 3rd Auto Shanghai Summit 2013 at the Shanghai International Convention Center. The summit with the tagline "gathering positive energy to propel cooperation and innovation" invited 420 Chinese and foreign business executives, leading economists, business association representatives and foreign ambassadors to brainstorm on how to enhance cooperation and innovation and transform the industry in a changing world in a move to help China meet the strategic goal of evolving from a major manufacturer to an innovation leader.

Chinese domestic brands collectively showing increasing global presence

China's domestic carmakers, among them the six major players, FAW, SAIC Group, Dongfeng Motor, Changan Automobile, GAC Group and BAIC Motor, and well as other Chinese brands including Chery, Brilliance Auto, Geely, BYD and Great Wall Motor, gathered at Auto Shanghai 2013, posing a significant challenge to traditional multinational industry leaders. Chinese domestic brands have experienced a giant leap forward in progress by shifting from mere imitation of foreign counterparts to self-innovation.

Progress in new energy vehicles accelerating, with hybrid vehicles becoming eye-catchers at the event

Almost all the leading complete vehicle makers showcased their hybrid models at the event, with the number of hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles or concept cars being displayed increasing significantly.

Multinational automotive giants are increasingly valuing the Chinese market. Today's Auto Shanghai is considered as one of the most important auto shows worldwide by all multinational automotive giants. European, Japanese, American and other well-known automakers all set up booths that rivaled the booths they set up at the top American and European shows in both design and size. Auto Shanghai not only further demonstrates the automakers' confidence in the Chinese automotive market, but also allows them to more clearly see the tremendous potential of the market's future.

The auto show deployed the latest in modern display technologies. At Auto Shanghai 2013, automakers significantly enriched visitors' experience through 3D videos, model demonstrations, simulation runs, interactive experiences and even actual operation of a vehicle, among other display methods that allow drivers to have the real life and near real life experience of actually driving the vehicle. Many visitors gathered at the inaugural vehicle dynamic demonstration area, watching breathtaking stunt shows and experiencing exciting off-road driving.

On Press Day, automakers held 100 press conferences. International mainstream media, including Reuters, Associated Press, Agence France Presse, CNN, BBC, the Wall Street Journal and Kyodo News, all gave the show positive reviews. Major media in China, including Xinhua News Agency, CCTV, Sina, Sohu, Tencent, ifeng.com, 163.com and people.com.cn, provided blow by blow coverage through their networks; Shanghai TV News Comprehensive Channel broadcast live from the show for a consecutive eight hours, a first time event in the history of auto shows.

In order to assure a safe, civilized, environmentally friendly and comfortable experience for every attendee, the organizer issued a statement asking all parties who attend the show, whether they be exhibitors or attendees, to act and comport themselves in a civilized manner at all times. The high quality of the products and the elegance and beauty of the models on display served as testament to the professional level and the maturity of the show. Auto Shanghai has received positive responses and high appraisals from exhibitors, audiences and the media.

As the Chinese automotive industry moves to the next stage in its development, Auto Shanghai is becoming a world standard that any automaker worth his salt cannot afford to pass by. With a focus that spans the entire automotive supply chain, Auto Shanghai fully demonstrates the confidence that China has in being the host of such shows, while further exploring the culture of the industry. The auto show is striving to develop itself as one of the world's leading auto shows.