The Guangzhou Auto Show is regarded as a litmus test for China's auto market in the coming year. SUVs seem to be the dominant product.
According to relevant statistics, more than 1.4 million SUVs were sold by the end of October this year; the figure increased by more than 24 percent compared to the same period last year.
Besides major manufacturers like Hyundai, Audi, and Land Rover, many domestic auto makers like Great Wall, Qirui and BYD are sparing no efforts in promoting self-owned brand SUV products.
Xu Changming, director of information resources department of the National Information Center, says the competition in the SUV market will become more intense.
"With the rapid growth in people's income, more consumers can afford to buy SUVs. Another reason for the sales boost is consumer preference. It's not that drivers actually need to drive in harsh road conditions. The preference for an SUV stems from a higher view in city traffic."
Another highlight of this year's Guangzhou Auto Show is that products with turbine supercharging generators are becoming more popular.
R&D teams are developing their own turbine supercharging technology. Citroen is one of them.
Pan Jianian, general manager of the brand department for Dong Feng Citroen says this method saves energy.
"Turbine supercharging is used in both low and high emission products. But considering China's environment policies, applying this technology on low emission products is more reasonable and is more welcomed by consumers."
It's said that using turbine supercharging engines may save up to 20 and 40 percent in gas and diesel respectively, all without sacrificing the generator's performance. And, compared to hybrid and electric cars, the turbine technology has made a significant leap.
The 2012 Guangzhou Auto Show will end on December 2.
For CRI, I am Li Dong.
