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2011 Beijing Imported Auto Show flourishes
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China.org.cn, CNTV, November 9, 2011
China's car market has seen continued slowing in recent months, but the country remains a lucrative segment for overseas carmakers. The Beijing Imported Auto Show has just wrapped up, with more than 30 luxury car brands exhibiting this year - the largest on record.
Despite the recent slowing, China has overtaken the U.S. to become the world's biggest car market, with a fast-growing middle class hungry for foreign speed and style.
More than 30 foreign luxury brands are represented at the show, including Ferrari, Jaguar, Aston Martin and Cadillac. This huge turn-out is mainly thanks to the ready market among China’s new middle class. According to the organizing committee of the show, the number of foreign manufacturers touting their wares has increased more than 50 percent compared to last year.
Jiang Wenbin, publicity department director from 2011 China Imported Car Show said: "The number of foreign auto brands attending the imported car show this year has climbed to 33, from 20 last year, and it covers all brands that have sales outlets in China. The number of visitors to the car show has been increasing all these years, that shows the market is booming and more and more people like imported cars."
Rapid economic growth has spawned huge growth in the number of Chinese millionaires. According to a Boston Consulting Group survey, China now has more than one million millionaires, thanks to economic growth, strong savings and a strengthening currency. They're keen to enjoy their new-found wealth - and luxury cars are one way to indulge. But an industry insider says meeting demand could be a problem in the future.
Xu Jian, managing director from Arthur Little of Greater China, said: "There is a large number of young and wealthy people in China, keen to show off their own personality, achievements and lifestyle through cars. But at the same time, the production capacity of many super luxury car brands is very limited and it is far from able to meet the growing demands of Chinese customers."
Government data shows China's vehicle sales jumped 32 per cent in 2010, reaching 18 million. Sales of imported cars rose 42 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter in 2011, to 234,000 units.
