Highlights
General Motors
Hall E1
GM China will be displaying 37 production and concept vehicles at Auto Shanghai 2009 and these cars will highlight the design, technology and fuel economy leadership of GM and its Chinese joint ventures.
Making its global debut will be a unique show car developed by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, GM's automotive engineering and design joint venture. Two vehicles that will draw visitors' attention are the Chevrolet Camaro sports coupe (and star of the new "Transformers" movie) and Chevrolet Volt, the world's first extended-range electric vehicle, which will be coming to China in two years.
Volkswagen
Hall W2
Volkswagen will display its complete product line of its imported and Chinese-made vehicles spread over a 3,000-square-meter area.
It will demonstrate the latest Blue-Motion technology to appeal to energy-saving Chinese consumers in the VW Golf and Lavida models. Its Passat Lingyu will make its Chinese debut. All Volkswagen's affiliates will also display models, including Skoda Superb, Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro sports car and Bently GTC Speed that has a top speed of 320 kilometers per hour.
SAIC Motor
Hall E1
SAIC, the nation's biggest car maker, will show off its improved self-development capability. One model that will be attractive to visitors is the MG6, a FastBack design concept model. Another model to watch out for is the Roewe N1 show car which is said to be very close to being mass produced.
Toyota
Hall W4
Toyota is showcasing a record number of 50 models at the show, with the main theme focusing on environment, safety and future. Eight new cars and five concept models will be on show.
Toyota will present its latest efforts on environment protection through the FT-EV, which is powered by lithium battery, and the FCHV-adv, a model that uses hydrogen fuel cells and the plug-in hybrid Hi-CT. The single-seat i-Real is also expected to be highly received.
Chery
Hall W5
The nation's leading auto maker specializing in self-owned models hopes 32 new autos will help lift its brand image.
Besides its Richi M1 compact as well as the A3 sedan, the car maker will also unveil its first premier sedans, Richi G6 and Richi G5, which will begin domestic sales by 2010. Chery will also present four self-developed electric vehicle and hybrid sedans.
BMW
Hall W4
The auto show will be the venue for BMW's world debut of two models, with another two new models being presented for the first time in Asia, as the car maker introduces more innovative concepts and driving technologies.
The BMW 760Li, making its world debut, is the first model to feature a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission. Boasting a newly developed V8 turbo engine, the BMW X5 M gives unparalleled driving dynamics.
Mercedes-Benz
Hall W5
The new Mercedes-Benz S series will add a hybrid version of Mercedes-Benz S400, which will be powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The SLK 2L00K edition will also be showcased in Asia for the first time.
Porsche
Hall W5
Porsche AG yesterday launched its first four-seater Gran Turismo, the Porsche Panamera, in Shanghai.
Featuring a double-clutch gearbox, it will enter markets in Europe, South America and parts of Asia in September, in North America and Australia in October, and in China in early 2010.
(Shanghai Daily April 20, 2009)
