2013 Auto Shanghai

THE show-floor was bewildering, the number of car brands on display was staggering, but amongst the seeming chaos in Shanghai were a spate of crucial new global models.

Little else can demonstrate the importance of China to the automotive world better than an auto show such as this. Simply put, if a car-maker isn't on the march in China, it's feet are likely stuck in the mud across the board.

As you can see from our list to your right, the mix of vehicle debuts were diverse this year. And consider, we only reported those most relevant to you, the Australian reader.

For all the cars you see here, there's probably a handful of others just for China, such is the strength and size of that market.

Detroit, Geneva and Tokyo may still have the halo, but China's alternating shows in Beijing and Shanghai are fast becoming their equal in terms of importance.

By HAITHAM RAZAGUI
22/04/2013PLENTY of reveals from international car-makers are now a given at the major Chinese motor shows, and Auto Shanghai 2013 is no exception.

For starters, Maserati will present its Ghibli luxury sedan, Porsche will unveil its facelifted Panamera limo with plug-in hybrid and long-wheelbase versions, BMW will debut its X4 coupe-SUV and Mercedes-Benz will finally whip the covers from its GLA compact SUV.

Citroen will show the DS Wild Rubis luxury SUV concept, Suzuki will show a new small “Authentics” sedan and Skoda will reveal its facelifted Superb sedan.

Chinese-owned British brand MG will preview its first production SUV with the CS concept and Chinese car-maker Chery – which sells in Australia – will showcase its Beta 5 SUV concept.

An old US brand, Detroit Electric, will be re-born at Shanghai with the Lotus Exige-based SP:01, which it claims to be the world’s fastest electric sportscar.

19 December 2013TIM NICHOLSONCHINA has quickly made its presence felt as the world’s largest car market, and Auto Shanghai has become one of the major events for Chinese car-makers to show off their wares.

Alternating year-about with the Beijing show, Shanghai’s biggest motoring event attracts global car-makers wanting to get in on the Chinese boom.

Manufacturers such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Chevrolet jostle with myriad Chinese manufacturers for attention on the floor of the show.

GoAuto will have more stories leading up to and during the show so keep checking GoAuto.com.au for updates