Seven models to have global premiere at Beijing auto show

Shanghai, April 10 (Gasgoo.com) At the 2008 Beijing international auto show on April 20-28, many new models will debut as their Asian and global premieres. As one of the fastest-growing markets in the world, China can provide a perfect platform for all carmakers to display their latest models and great auto-making might to the Chinese and international customers.

The following are seven of the models that will be first unveiled to the world at the Beijing auto show:

1. Model X of FAW-VW 
2. Lavida of Shanghai VW
3. Audi Q5
4. New Teana of Nissan 
5. Buick Invicta
6. Roewe 550 of SAIC 
7. Toyota Yaris

1. An insider from FAW said that the Model X is an A-level model derived from the company's Bora model, but "it doesn't look like Bora anyway." The Model X trial version shows that it is a three-box sedan. The Model X will be priced between RMB 100,000 ($14,280) and RMB 130,000, lower than Bora in the present market.

2. Called Model Y at first, Lavida of Shanghai Volkswagen is a sedan made for home and commercial use in China. Named after a romantic Spanish word which means enthusiasm, energy, life and hope, the compact Lavida model of high quality will become an appealing top vehicle in the Chinese market.

3. Audi Q5 is a compact SUV model developed on the MLP platform strategy of Audi4. The Audi Q5 will be spacious enough for five passengers. It will probably be the first model to be equipped with the in-house seven speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG Audi S-Tronic). Four cylinder engines, V6s, and TDI engines borrowed from the A4 will power this mini-SUV.

4. The 2008 Teana model, a production version of the Nissan Intima concept, is reported to be equipped with VQ25HR and VQ35HR engines mounted with 5-speed automatic transmission. The new Teana will sell in China and Japan in late 2008, in other Asian markets as well as Europe starting early 2009. In addition to getting a mass-market makeover, Nissan's new Teana will also be sporting a Teana badge.

5. The Buick Invicta draws inspiration from the Riviera concept and pays homage to Buicks of the 1940s through the 1970s with its nostalgic "sweep-spear" design cue, a curved line running the length of the car. It also features Buick’s signature vertical chrome waterfall grille and new portholes, and will share Riviera’s ambient lighting feature and lavish design. The Invicta model for the Beijing auto show was co-developed by GM design centers in North America and China to meet customers' expectations equally in the world's two largest automotive markets.

6. Roewe, a division of the Shanghai Auto Industry Corporation (SAIC), will launch the 550 midsize sedan at the Beijing auto show. Related to the 750, a model derived from the Rover 75, the Roewe 550 features the 1.8-liter turbo Rover K-Series petrol engine.

7. A new edition of Guangzhou Toyota's popular compact sedan Yaris will be released this month at the Beijing auto show, along with the carmaker's other three models: Camry, Highlander SUV and FJ Cruiser. Yaris is one of Toyota's most successful models in terms of sales.