New driving styles for tough times

THE current tough times for China's auto industry do not mean car manufacturers are leaving the market alone and not breaking new ground.

Although manufacturers are seeking supportive policies from the government, the 6th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition became a platform to show how car makers have been restructuring product portfolios to meet the changing market demand. Some of the models that shone at the motor show will be soon available on the market - they are innovative with a touch of the future. Some also represent viable solutions to the fuel crisis and environmental pollution.

But one thing is common. All the new models show the increasing importance of the Chinese market and that car makers remain confident of the long-term prospects of China's car industry.

Shanghai Daily has selected some of the models that dazzled at the show either because of their strategic market positioning, cutting-edge technology, or just for being visually exciting.

Among the 13 Ford car models on display, the global debut of new Ford Fiesta marked Ford's return to the small car market in China.

The Ford Fiesta sedan, along with a hatchback version, will be equipped with a 1.3-liter or 1.5-liter engine when it starts domestic production in the first quarter of next year.

The new Fiesta sedan was designed and developed for the Asian market, particularly for China. The sedan arrives only a year after the Verve Concept sedan attracted intense interest. Chang'an Ford also showed off EcoBoost, Ford's energy-saving engine technology.

Following the recent launch of the new generation of 911 Carreras, Porsche premiered the 911 Targa at Auto Guangzhou. The 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S are driven by two new power units with direct fuel injection (DFI) and the fast-shifting PDK Porsche double-clutch gearbox, which improve both performance and fuel economy. The visual highlight is the glass roof that opens elegantly beneath the tailgate in under seven seconds. Alongside were the Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 and the Cayman S Sport.

The mid-sized luxury sport-utility vehicle Mercedes-Benz GLK was one of the hottest models for luxury car buffs. The Chinese launch of the GLK 300 4MATIC and GLK 350 4MATIC is ahead of North American markets. Mercedes-Benz said the four-wheel drive models will not only enhance off-road functions but can also adapt to the demand for comfort when driving on city roads. The world's leading luxury car brand Mercedes-Benz also displayed its CL 600 two-door four-seat coupe, and the CLK 350 Grand Edition in addition to the S-class, C-class and E-class premier sedans.

Skoda, the Czech brand affiliated to Volkswagen AG, brought its Fabia into China, a further proof that there will be very heated competition in China's small car market next year. The Skoda Fabia, to be produced by Shanghai Volkswagen Co, will feature a 1.4 or 1.6-liter engine as well as a Tiptronic 6 gearbox. When domestic sales begin soon, the Chinese-made Fabia, or Jing Rui in Chinese, will help complete Skoda's product line in China and lift its brand awareness after the 2007 introduction of the Skoda Octavia.

The Toyota Hi-CT made its debut in China at the Guangzhou Auto Show. The name of the concept car is a shortened form of the "Hi Ride City Truck." Toyota's Hi-CT has a front end which looks like a locomotive and it has higher waist lines and short overhangs that make for easy parking. Toyota earlier said the model will have a 1.5-liter engine and a hybrid motor, enjoying plug-in capability.

Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp launched a new version of the Roewe 550, which is powered by a Kavachi 1.8L DVVT (Dual Variable Valve Timing) engine. The new engine will help the Roewe 550 achieve better fuel efficiency while boosting driving dynamics. The new Roewe 550 consumes 5.6 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers when driven at an average of 90 kilometers per hour. Available in manual or automatic transmission, the car will hit the market by year's end.

Guangzhou Honda unveiled its global strategic model, the new City, to tap into the fast-expanding mid-class segment.

The "Cool Lounge" concept of the new City is reflected by its 506-liter storage capacity. The car will be available with 1.5-liter and 1.8-liter engines. Guangzhou Automotive Industrial Group also launched its second concept, a convertible, under its Linian brand. Guangzhou's home-developed vehicles will start production in 2010.

Nissan Motor Co introduced a concept electric vehicle, the Nissan Mixim, at the auto show, as it intends to begin offering electric cars in China by 2012.

The most spectacular aspect of the car is that the driving position is located in the middle of the car, leaving a passenger seat on each side of the driver.

The car is designed to be powered by lithium-ion and it is also a true four-wheel drive with motors placed on each axis.