Residents inspect an SUV at the Shenzhen International Auto Show on Sunday. Zheng Dongsheng
CONTRACTS worth more than 2 billion yuan (US$286 million), a record figure, were signed at the 12th Shenzhen International Auto Show, which closed yesterday at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center.
Heavy rain during the weekend did not dampen the enthusiasm of city residents, 510,000 of whom turned up at the auto show. An average of 80,000 people visited the show daily in the first three days, and more than 160,000 visitors showed up Sunday. More than 7,000 cars were sold at the five-day show.
More than 100 carmakers from around the world participated in the auto show, exhibiting their latest models. Among them were Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, Maserati and Mercedes-Benz.
Many visitors said they preferred to buy cars at the auto show because they could compare different vehicles at the same location. Moreover, car experts were there to give advice, they said.
Some visitors planned to buy their second car at the auto show. “Many visitors bought their first car four to five years ago, and they want to change the cars since more fashionable and environmentally friendly cars are being sold and the prices have been decreasing,” said a sales consultant with a domestic car brand.
A car dealer said customers who wanted to buy a second car preferred SUVs because they were safer, trendier and more suitable for traveling with family members.
“I think I will buy a sport utility vehicle which provides larger space and good function and is environmentally friendly,” said a visitor surnamed Zeng who last bought a car four years ago. Zeng’s parents now live with him.
Besides, many car dealers sought to lure more customers by reducing prices by up to 50,000 yuan.
“Reducing the prices of cars is unfavorable for the development of the car industry in the long term,” said a car dealer who refused to offer discounts at the auto show. “The competition among carmakers should change from ‘price war’ to ‘brand war,’” said the unnamed dealer. (Cai Yingbo)