Shanghai to hold 2 auto events in April

Dec. 23, 2008 (China Knowledge) - Formula One (F1) Chinese Grand Prix and Auto Shanghai 2009 will be held in Shanghai in April next year, sources reported.

The Chinese Grand Prix will start from Apri. 17 to 19, and Auto Shanghai 2009 exhibition will open to the public on Apri. 22 to 28, following April 20's media day, the report said.

Formula One Management rescheduled the F1 Chinese Grand Prix from October to April in order to avoid clashing with the ATP Masters Series tournament in Shanghai.

The exhibition area for Auto Shanghai in 2009 will have 11 indoor exhibition room and outdoor temporary room covering an area of 170,000 square meters, the largest in history, despite the current global financial crisis.

It is also reported that all the major international and domestic brands will participate in the auto show and some brands like Mercedes Benz, BMW, Toyota, Honda and Nissan plan to expand their exhibition areas next year.

The events are expected to help speed up the recovery of the Chinese auto market next year, according to industry insiders.