Shanghai to outshine Detroit in world's auto shows

A record 600,000 enthusiasts attended this year's 2009 Shanghai Auto Show, cementing its reputation as one of the world's leading vehicle exhibitions. As a comparison, the 2009 Detroit Auto Show in January drew 650,000 visitors.

The biennial Shanghai show alternates every other year with Beijing. The 2009 Shanghai show pulled in executives, media and vehicles from around the globe, including dozens of brand-new models from Chinese automakers, as well as a number of significant new European entries, notably the Porsche Panamera.

According to the organizer, the nine-day show attracted 1,500 vehicle and component makers from 25 countries and covered 20 percent more space than the 2007 event. This year's show featured more than 900 vehicles, about one-third of them from overseas.

Local automakers were encouraged by sales generated at the show. Chongqing-based Lifan Auto, for instance, said it won $170 million worth of orders from overseas dealers, especially for the new Lifan 320 compact car that was launched at the show.

Most of the foreign luxury carmakers said their show vehicles were sold out despite an economic downturn.

Bentley said it sold 15 models over the past week, including all its showcars, which cost between $583,000 and $879,000 in China.

Rolls-Royce said it sold 18 cars in the east China region, including its new Rolls-Royce Ghost (RR4) sedan.

Shanghai could soon outshine Detroit as one of the world's most important auto shows.