Significant Cars Debut at Auto Shanghai 2013
Auto Shanghai 2013 (the 15th show since it began in 1985), showcases the best new cars and concepts from both domestic and foreign automakers. China’s significance as the world’s fastest growing car market is evident in the decisions by some of the industry’s top brands to debut their newest models in Shanghai.
Audi, for example, have debuted their newest A3 and S3 models. Both are compact cars that offer near luxury driving experiences at a slightly more accessible price point than most of the Audi lineup. The sedan version of these cars will be produced in China.
Buick, now arguably GM’s most successful brand in China, debuted 3 new sedans in New York, but saved its stunningly beautiful Riviera plug-in hybrid concept car for Shanghai. This bold, forward-looking concept car was designed by both Buick’s Shanghai GM design team as well as GM’s Pan-Asia Technical Automotive Center. Buick says the Riviera concept is inspired by the Chinese saying “the greatest good is like water,” and that the body’s sculpted shape is designed to capture the “dynamic nature of water”.
Domestic automaker Chery showed off its ‘Beta’ 5 concept crossover SUV, which has styling to go head to head against the likes of the BMW X5 and Infiniti FX37. Whether it has the performance chops to also compete in driving dynamics remains to be seen.
Auto Shanghai 2013 runs from April 21 through 29, at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, in Pudong.
