The two competing international auto shows set for next year in Beijing will merge into one, their organizers have said.

The deal to collaborate on a single show -- named Auto China 2004 -- calls for the event to take place from June 6 to 16.

The Automotive Industry Sub-Council under the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), China Automotive Engineering Society (CAES), China National Automotive International Corp (CNAIC) will sponsor the event.

The move comes after the organizers parted company and each announced last month they would go their own way.

"We had differences on motor show venues and inviting participants. But now we have a common understanding that co-operation will be much better,'' said Zhang Xiaoyu, president of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

"We aim to build the motor show into the biggest and best one in Asia,'' Zhang said.

The auto sub-council, which is under CCPIT in name but is in fact controlled by the auto association, and CAES, last month said they will organize a motor show, named "Beijing Motor Show 2004'' from May 18 to 25 next year in the Beijing Economic Development Zone.

CCPIT and CNAIC planned their motor show, named "Auto China 2004'' from June 6 to 16 next year in the China International Exhibition Centre and Beijing Agricultural Exhibition Hall.

The divorce made domestic and foreign automakers uneasy, since they could not easily participate in both of the two motor shows with just four weeks separating the two.

"The latest development will benefit both parties, vehicle manufacturers and viewers next year,'' said Zhao Haiming, general manager of CNAIC.

The biennial motor show will feature a total area of 120,000 square metres at the China International Exhibition Centre and Beijing Agricultural Exhibition Hall.

Close

Today's Top News		Top Business News
+Gas blowout kills at least 191 ( 2003-12-26) +Electricity price hike in new year ( 2003-12-26) +China bans imports of US beef products ( 2003-12-26) +TV firms to have say at anti-dumping hearing in US ( 2003-12-26) +AIDS toll exaggerated: officials ( 2003-12-26)		+Auto shows calling off divorce ( 2003-12-26) +Industrial firms more profitable ( 2003-12-26) +Turbine firms see strong growth ( 2003-12-26) +Entrepreneurs from HK, Macao seek retail future ( 2003-12-26) +Electricity price hike in new year ( 2003-12-26)