Chengdu Motor Show sets record as city's largest yet

BMW and its MINI marque are presenting 13 new models at the event, the German car group's largest-ever portfolio at the Chengdu Motor Show.

Its heavyweight models on show are the hybrid M5, which is making its China premiere and will hit the market later this year, and the long-wheelbase X3 making its global debut.

Sean Green, president and CEO of BMW Group Region China, said competition in the sector is like a marathon. He added that BMW is delivering satisfactory products today and has a long-term product plan for the future.

Porsche, another German brand, launched a new variant of its electric Macan SUV at the event. Other highlights include the four-door electric Taycan Turbo GT and the electric Taycan 4, tailored for the Chinese market.

Sino-German joint venture SAIC Volkswagen has a mixed lineup at the event, including the Passat Pro sedan and the electric ID. series.

Gasoline vehicles dominate the booths of other global carmakers at the Chengdu Motor Show.

Cadillac, the premium arm of General Motors, unveiled its new XT5 SUV, while Ford's high-end Lincoln marque launched a new version of the Aviator SUV, featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine.

Beijing Hyundai, a joint venture between BAIC and Hyundai, is offering the fifth-generation Santa Fe SUV, and Changan Ford is presenting the updated Explorer SUV.

The event is expected to promote automotive sales in Sichuan province and Southwest China as a whole, said organizers. By the end of 2023, Chengdu was home to more than 7.1 million vehicles, ranking first among Chinese cities.

Organizers said visitors have opportunities to win prizes up to 49,999 yuan ($7,050) if they place orders at the show.

Local authorities in Chengdu have earmarked 100 million yuan to sponsor vehicle trade-ins. Those who purchase private vehicles from Friday to Sept 20 are eligible for subsidies of up to 8,000 yuan.

China is the world's largest vehicle market. More than 16.31 million vehicles were sold in the country in the first seven months of this year, up 4.4 percent year-on-year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.