The 16th Beijing International Automobile Exhibition (Auto China 2020) kicks off in Beijing
September 26, 2020
The 16th Beijing International Automobile Exhibition (Auto China 2020) has opened in China, representing the largest event of its kind to take place since the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The auto show is held every two years, with the event originally scheduled to take place in April.
“The 2020 Beijing motor show is a symbol of hope,” BMW AG’s China CEO, Jochen Goller, told reporters as he paid tribute to those who “made it possible for us to enjoy this large-scale event today.”
BMW displayed its iX3 electric SUV, which Goller said will be produced at a factory in China’s northeast for sale worldwide.
Toyota Motor Corporation also unveiled its e-Palette, a self-driving vehicle that it plans to use for the Tokyo Summer Olympics and Paralympics, which has been rescheduled to 2021.
Nissan Motor Co., revealed its all-electric Ariya sport utility vehicle, making its public debut overseas. The SUV is set to go on sale in China by the end of next year.
Sales of new vehicles in China have reportedly increased in recent months as the country’s economy has been recovering due in part to a rebound in industrial production and consumer spending. New car sales in China rose 11.6% from a year earlier in August to 2.19 million units, marking five months of gains.
China’s broader economy, meanwhile, logged its first expansion in two quarters during the April-June period despite sluggishness in exports, a major driver of growth, climbing 3.2% from the previous year.
The exhibition is organised by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Automotive Sub-Council, China National Machinery Industry International Co.,Ltd., China International Exhibition Center Group Corporation, and the China Society of Automotive Engineers.
