Industry gearing up for Guangzhou show

Auto industry insiders will turn their eyes to the Guangzhou motor show this week to see whether the biggest auto event in South China can bring a boost to the stagnant market.

Statistics from the China Association of Automotive Manufacturers show that to date the overall market has grown just 3 percent over 2011, the lowest in recent memory.

According to the organizing committee, the Guangzhou auto show that opens on Nov 22 will display a total of 950 models, 50 more than last year. Thirty-four are making global premieres and 23 making Asian debuts, both new records in the show's 10-year history.

A number of iconic international names including Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, General Motors, Ford and Hyundai will bring their lineups as they strive to continue their success in China amid a tough global auto market.

Automaker GAC Group, headquartered in host city Guangzhou, will join domestic peers FAW, Dongfeng, SAIC, Chery, Geely and BYD at the event.

Highlights are expected to be the Volvo Cross Country and Jaguar F-Type unveiled at the recent Paris auto show, as well as the Citroen C4L, the new Bora from Volkswagen and the latest version of the Santana from Shanghai Volkswagen.

As well, names familiar to F1 fans - McLaren, now a partner of Mercedes-Benz, and Italian sports car Fornasari - will have their China debuts at the Guangzhou auto show.

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