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China auto show with focus on fuel efficiency |
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Given rising concerns over surging greenhouse gas emissions and energy prices, the Shanghai auto show focuses this year on energy-saving technologies.
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2007-04-23
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Carmakers, recognizing that China faces rising energy constraints and environmental problems, are now focusing more and more on selling "green technology". This year's "Auto Shanghai", which opened for the public on Sunday, 22 April, will gather global carmakers showcasing their green credentials to steer China towards supporting technologies in which they excel. Following the event's theme "Technology and Nature in Harmony" both local and international manufacturers intend to "educate" consumers and governments on latest achievements in energy saving, low-emissive models.
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Although most industry experts agree that progress in selling efficient technologies will depend on the not yet awakened environmental consciousness of Chinese consumers, many also expect long-term growth only be possible through innovation in the fields of emission reductions and fuel economy.
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China: Growing economy & emissions
With close to 150 million vehicles on the road and new car sales alone adding 4-5 million a year, China surged past Japan to become the world's No. 2 vehicle market after the U.S. last year, and is expected to become the top global automobile market by 2020. Coming along with this rapid growth, the country faces increasing international pressure to speed up environmental efforts, making it now a preferred test case for global automakers pushing fuel-efficient models and technologies.
Background
Being held for the first time in 1985, Auto Shanghai is China's oldest international auto show. The last event in 2005 attracted more than 1,000 exhibitors and 391,000 visitors from 113 countries. This year's event will be open to the public until 28 April.
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More information:
› Auto Shanghai - Official website
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