Car fans flock to show, hesitant to buy
( 2002-06-11 09:42 ) (1 )

Visitors flooded into the Beijing International Exhibition Centre to attend the Seventh Beijing Auto Show last week. However, among them, only a few wanted to buy cars right now.

Liu Jianshe, a teacher at a Beijing middle school, went to the auto show at the weekend.

"All my neighbours said the show was full of famous and beautiful cars. As for when to buy my own car, I think I had better wait," he said.

Zhang Qingyun, who lives in eastern Beijing, planned to buy a car early this year. But when he saw prices frequently dropping, he couldn't make up his mind.

The continual fall in car prices has not only attracted consumers, but also kept them waiting for the lowest price.

Recently, the makers of Geely cars announced a model at the rock-bottom price of 29,900 yuan (US$3,600). Xiali, Fukang and other brands followed suit.

"High prices are a barrier to a family owning a car. Price reductions will be a trend. When consumers have low incomes, the price of a car is vital," said Li Jingsheng, a car expert.

"There is some gap between Chinese and international car prices. Now China has become a World Trade Organization member, prices will go down, but it takes time," said Chen Huai, an expert with the Development Research Centre under the State Council.

"It is more expensive to keep a car than buy a car. I prefer taking a taxi instead," said Jin Taoran, a local worker.