New models galore at Guangzhou auto show

Carmakers are showing more than 100 new models at the ongoing Guangzhou Auto Show, as they try to lure buyers as markets slow worldwide.

Alexander Klose, Volvo China CEO, introduces the S80L prototype car, in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou November 18, 2008.

General Motors Corp, which is at bankruptcy's door in the United States, put three major new models on show, maneuvering to keep its edge in a market vital to its future as it struggles for survival back home.

The massive Buick Enclave SUV, sporty Chevrolet Cruze sedan and zippy but powerful Cadillac CTS-V that have been unveiled in the aspiring auto industry hub in Guangzhou are meant to cover the whole range of potential customers in China: from wealthy pleasure-seekers to young professionals buying their first vehicles.

Ford, another US auto-making giant, unveiled its revamped Mondeo sedan and S-max MPV for the mid-end market. Changan Ford, the automaker's joint venture in China, is also demonstrating the EcoBoost technology, which delivers up to 20 percent better fuel economy and a 15 percent improvement in emissions without compromising driving performance.

Toyota, the biggest Japanese automaker, is presenting 45 vehicle models at the show. The Toyota lineup includes a total of six concept vehicles along with their latest production vehicles. The all new concept cars displayed include the Hi-CT and Lexus LF-A Roadster.

Honda's two joint ventures in China, Guangzhou Honda and Dongfeng Honda, also launched their new models at the show. Guangzhou Honda's new-generation City mid-grade car and the 2009 version Odyssey MPV, will target the middle of the market.

The German auto giant Volkswagen has teamed up with Shanghai Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen to bring 28 vehicles to the event. The brand-new Scirocco sports car and the Skoda Fabia made their China debuts.

Domestic automakers also focused their attention on new model launches. Chery, the country's largest independent carmaker, unveiled four new cars – the Eastar Protocol, QQ Sport, Tiggo 3 DR and A3 Hatchback.

The 6th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition, one of China's three biggest auto shows, will end on November 25. With a total exhibition area of 125,000 square meters, the event has attracted nearly 600 enterprises, and 800 vehicles in total.

In the global economic downturn, automakers worldwide are in hot water. Many auto giants, like GM and Ford, have taken the auto show as an opportunity to boost China's auto market.