Held every two years, the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, or Auto Shanghai, is the biggest auto show in the world's largest auto market, and will kick off in grand fashion this week in Shanghai.
With the theme of "Committed to Better Life," Auto Shanghai 2017 will showcase the most cutting-edge technology and products of the automobile industry.
It will focus on the infinite possibility of human life resulting from new technologies, trends and products, and reflect the latest development trends of electric cars, intelligence, and networking.
Here are the six things that will help you enjoy the show even better:
1. What to watch out for?
More SUV's and more new generations of automobiles are expected to be more innovative. As China's vehicle brands rise up, people are looking forward to more surprises from domestic car brands, such as Chery and BYD. But to experts in the car industry, A.C.E.S. might be what they wish to see mostly.
2. What does A.C.E.S. stand for?
The acronym stands for "Autonomous, Connected, Electric and Sharing," all of which are the future directions just about every auto related company is committed to.
"Autonomous", for example, refers to autonomous driving, meaning driver assistance applications can help you relax, but that doesn't totally leave the driving to the car.
"Connected", refers to the car becoming "smart" and talks to other cars, devices, and even infrastructure.
"Electric" means that, with most countries introducing tighter emission standards, automakers are fast ramping up their capacity to debut electric cars, and electric car sales in China are skyrocketing.
The final concept, "Sharing", is the budding concept of not buying a car and still getting the joys of using it. Chinese startups like Car2Go hope to ride the success of share-bike apps like MoBike and Ofo.
3. Will there be car models?
Car models will not show up on media days.
After a backlash against scantily clad models that may distract from the vehicles, many automakers have chosen to do away with them, sticking to celebrity ambassadors, performers, male models, and etiquette girls.
4. Who's coming and who's not?
Over 1,000 auto related companies are showing more than 1,400 vehicle models.
But it doesn't include Tesla, which attended the Beijing Auto Show last year, but is absent this year. The electric car giant sold over 10,000 cars in China last year, doubling year on year.
Auto show pros know to come in comfortable clothes and walking shoes because the show takes up 350,000 square meters, or around 50 football pitches!
5. What do Chinese consumers want?
Cars are becoming more than commute tools to Chinese consumers, according to Frank Hu, general manager of auto retail at JD Power China. They're using SUV's for weekend getaways and to seat the whole family, which may include two children.
Because more buyers are replacing their cars, the upgrade may naturally be an entry level premium brand. As for electric cars, you can't beat the registration perks and good feelings.
Chinese consumers are also particularly concerned about the smells inside the car, the touch and feel, whereas US buyers care more about functionality.
6. What will we see on CGTN?
During the next few weeks, Global Business will bring you the live auto show and interview top brands' chiefs. With those elites, you may better understand the newest auto trends!
