China's own thriving automotive industry is also becoming a big player in the market. Previously limited to the cheap and cheerful end of the market, Chinese manufacturers are moving ever upwards and ever faster. Often benefiting from a hefty price discount, they will certainly be taking a bigger share of the home market, and are already starting to make their presence felt abroad.

Chery became the first Chinese exporter of vehicles in 2001 when it entered the Syrian market, and it has recently confirmed a new distribution deal for Southern Africa through Bidvest Group member McCarthy Ltd.

Changchun giant FAW, a joint venture with Volkswagen, had a strong presence, bolstered by the company’s sponsorship of the Olympic Torch Relay.

And Geely, the first Chinese manufacturer to display at the Detroit Motor Show in 2006, unveiled its GE Concept, and the glamorous GT Tiger sports car, neither of which would shame the most particular of Western Design studios.

More than 600,000 people have attended Beijing Auto 2008. When the show finished on Monday it had broken all records, and the organisers will be looking forward to something even bigger and better next year.

(China.org.cn April 29, 2008)