Auto China 2008 held in Beijing

Auto China 2008, the 10th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, started yesterday at the New China International Exhibition Center. Foreign auto makers displayed a large number of new models at the Beijing auto show, hoping the booming market will offset sales slumps elsewhere in the world.

The biennial Beijing auto show has attracted all the major auto makers in the world, including General Motors (GM), BMW, Toyota and Honda, the organizers said.

Ford Motor Co. showed 55 vehicles in its 5,500-square-meter exhibition space, the largest for a single company in the history of the auto show.

Volkswagen AG debuted two sedans tailor-made for the Chinese market and showcased the highly anticipated Passat CC sedan and Tiguan sport-utility vehicle for the first time in China.

Nissan's new Teana, Buick Invicta concept, Audi A5 SUV and five Chery Faira compacts also made their appearance at the event.

Auto sales in China jumped 21.84% to 8.79 million units in 2007, with foreign brands accounting for three-fourths share of the sedan market. The country has become the world's second largest car market after the United States.