Shanghai show Dim Sum

While much of the auto industry is struggling to find momentum, Shanghai's motor show this week revealed little sign of any downturn experienced by China's automakers.

Indeed, according to Chery Automobile's chairman Ying Tongyue local consumers are gaining more confidence.

China's biggest automaker is anticipating the robust sales performance may extend throughout 2009, and is forecasting Chery's sales to rise 15 per cent.

According to local newspapers China's passenger car sales hit a high in March, outpacing the USA for the third consecutive month.

Local manufacturers believe the upturn is evidence of China's importance to international car makers.

Unlike previous Shanghai shows, organisers this time ensured there was at least one Chinese manufacturer in every hall.

The large Chery stand, featuring the company's Riich and Rely sub-brands, sat alongside the likes of Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo while smaller manufacturers such as Hafei and Lifan shared pride of place with Rolls Royce and Bentley.

Several local manufacturers had 'green' models on show (more here) but homegrown specialities like super-small multicoloured city cars and even a scissor-doored 'Tiger' concept from Geely also featured.

Chery's tiny QQ has been reworked into a very cute and colourful QQme model, and its "medium to high-end" sub-brand Riich displayed the new G6 model, powered by a 2.0-litre engine, and a vehicle resembling a small SUV called the X1. Somebody tell BMW...

Great Wall Motors displayed its CHC011 concept, which was designed as an indication of what the company will enter as its first-ever C-segment vehicle. GWM spokespersons told the Carsales Network that the smart-looking sedan will be made available in China in 2011.

GWM's stand also featured the Wingle 4WD utility and Sailor pick-up. The latter model has been an on-again-off-again prospect for Australian delivery.

The BYD (for Build Your Dreams) company displayed its MitsuTech-powered F3R hatch and the latest F6 sedan, which is sold in Europe, Africa and South America. A spokesman for the brand told the CS Network that BYD's next move was to the US, with Australia in its sights after 2011.

Lifan showed off its array MINI rip-offs while Brilliance Auto displayed its range of youth-oriented sedans and coupes. Brilliance's FRV model was a standout for its Alfa Romeoesque styling; perhaps due to the fact it was designed by the Giugaro house.

JAC Motors' stand was interesting for its blend of high to low-end models, featuring van, hatchback and mid-size sedan models through to a Benz-influenced convertible that appeared put together from the Daimler parts bin with its dual oval headlight front end and Sebring-styled rear.

Taking up most of one hall to itself was GM SAIC, displaying homegrown Buick models and Chevrolet, Saab and Cadillac cars. The hall included VW Shanghai's vast line-up including the new Lingyu Passat, Touran, Cross Polo and R36 wagon and SAIC's Roewe models including the hybrid 750 and striking new 550 model.

Such is the number of local manufacturers in China's burgeoning auto market that we can't recall them all here. Visit the Carsales Network again for more news from the Shanghai Auto Show.

Key to pictures: #1 is Riich G5 (with multi-colour zebra); #2 is Roewe stand with 750 (adjacent staircase); #3 is Riich G6; #4 is rear of G6; #5 is Changefeng stand (with Mitsubishi-influenced designs); #6 and #7 is Changfeng Liebao; #8 and #9 is Riich X1 and #10 is Riich M5

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