Auto makers hope to cash in on the growing number of affluent buyers when they show off their latest models at the Imported Auto Expo Shanghai 2007, which starts today in Anting in northwest Shanghai's Jiading District.

It's the second time the show, featuring 150 upscale models under 35 foreign brands, is being held in Shanghai at the Auto City Exhibition Hall. Auto makers are hoping to entice the growing number of affluent buyers to part with their money. The exhibition will end on Wednesday.

In addition to luxury car nameplates such as Ferrari, Maserati, Rolls-Royce, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, General Motors Corp's Pontiac and Honda's Acura will also debut at the show.

The Pontiac, a sports car brand by the world's largest auto maker, will launch its two-seater model powered by a 2.0-liter turbo engine and costing around 600,000 yuan (US$80,000).

Shanghai World Trade Automobile Co Ltd, a local dealer of Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo, also has high hopes for the newest Jaguar XJL luxury sedan, which is taking advantage of the show to drive into the Shanghai market.

Buyers can book their orders from today for the Jaguar XJ8L, a four-door sedan equipped with an eight-cylinder engine, which costs 1.28 million yuan.

"We are impressed by the purchasing power (as shown) from last year's exhibition as many luxury cars were sold off on the spot. We are more confident of boosting sales this time," an official from the dealer said.

Along with the latest Jaguar, the dealer will also display models of three other brands.

Last year, the event attracted 50,000 visitors over five days. More than 50 cars on display were sold on the spot while more than 100 orders were received.

(Shanghai Daily October 20, 2007)