BEIJING (China): New energy vehicles (NEV) are dominating the exhibition stages of the 2024 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, signalling the industry's rapid growth in the world's second-largest economy.
Nearly 300 NEVs were on display today, accounting for almost half of the entire exhibition area.
According to the organiser, a total of 117 new models are expected to be unveiled during the biennial event, compared with 93 at last year's show in Shanghai.
Automakers from China and abroad are showing off their new models and concept cars that are equipped with the latest and accelerating technologies and innovations.
The NEVs, ranging from electric vehicles (EV), plug-in hybrids and fuel cell vehicles, accounted for 32 per cent of sales in China last year.
The Chinese government is targeting the NEV to make up 45 per cent of the country's all-new auto sales by 2027.
At the 2024 Auto Show, one of China's EV giants, BYD, unveiled the mid-sized hybrid sedans Qin L DM-i and Seal 06 DM-i, with both models expected to be equipped with the company's next-generation hybrid system that offers ultra-low fuel consumption.
Another EV giant, Geely Auto Group, revealed its concept car Galaxy Starship – a new technology flagship Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven sports utility vehicle (SUV) prototype.
Geely's all-electric Zeekr brand introduced the electric van Zeekr MIX based on new electric architecture, a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that is suitable for everything and aimed at creating a new family mobility lifestyle.
Other launches include the new electric G-Class by Mercedes Benz, Mini's first full electric-only Aceman, C16 MPSUV by LeapMotor, as well as a medium-sized pure electric SUV #5 by Smart Automobile Co Ltd – a joint venture established by Mercedes-Benz AG and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.
Japan's Nissan Motor presented two battery EV concept cars and two plug-in petrol-electric hybrids, while Mazda introduced an EZ-6 sedan, with both models tailored for the Chinese market.
Among the United States automaker exhibitors are General Motors, Lincoln, Cadillac, Ford, Buick and Chevrolet.
Tesla, however, was nowhere sighted at the China auto show. The American multinational company's last appearance was in 2021.
The Beijing Auto Show, which kicked off today, will take place until May 5. A total of 700 exhibitors are expected to participate, wooing nearly 60,000 visitors. — BERNAMA
