09:55
The 2018 Beijing Auto Show is here. Thousands of car manufacturers and motoring enthusiasts have filled the corridors of the China International Exhibition Centre for the dazzling event. A total of 1,022 cars are here on display. We count 174 new energy vehicles, including 124 made by Chinese companies.
(Photo: Screenshot of the video)
Manufacturers are putting a major focus on electric cars for China, now the largest EV (Electric Vehicle) market in the world. Last year, over 777,000 EVs were sold in China, a year-on-year increase of 53 per cent. As a result of the strong growth in the industry, China has also seen a surge of start-up EV makers.
Visitors view a displayed concept car of Byton brand at the 2018 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. (Photo: Xinhua)
"Look at what has happened in China for this industry. It's really amazing. A lot of brands popped up," said Ding Qingfen, vice president of external affairs for Byton, a start-up EV company based in Nanjing China, "And look at the capital market. They are so crazy for the market." Byton is a new player with the ambition to take on large EV manufactures like Tesla. As China pushes for all-round opening up with import tariffs to be lowered on automobiles, expect to see more EV innovations competing for the attention of China's car owners.
Visitors view a displayed concept car of Byton brand at the 2018 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. (Photo: Xinhua)
"China is more open. This is very good for us, which means more fierce competition and more quality products," Ding said.
The auto show will run until May 4.
