By Yang Zhongyang and Liang Rui

The 2012 (12th) Beijing International Automotive Exhibition themed with "Leading through Innovation" will be held at China International Exhibition Centre from April 23 to May 2. As one of the most influential motor shows in the world in this year, what are the new attractions at this motor show?

Exhibition scale hits a new record

According to Wang Xia, president of Branch of Auto Industry of China Council for Promotion of International Trade and secretary general of Organizing Committee of this Beijing Motor Show, this motor show covers a total area of 230,000m2, which not only breaks a record in scale in the history of Beijing Motor Show, but also can compete with Frankfurt Motor Show that boasts of the world's largest pavilion.

Above all, "all multinational motor corporations and domestic auto manufacturers have signed up for this Beijing Motor Show and positioned this Motor Show as the most important Level A motor show worldwide". Wang Xia said, this Motor Show attracted more than 2000 manufacturers from 14 countries and regions, including Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Sweden, America, Australia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and so on. The exhibits include passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, auto parts, equipments of auto industry, auto service supplies, etc.

The globally new-launched cars and concept cars attract attention

The new-launched cars and concept cars always attract most attention at motor shows. They represent the latest scientific and technological achievements and the future development direction of cars, embody the comprehensive strength of auto manufacturers, and carry the dream and pursuit of auto manufacturers with regard to the future development of auto society.

It is known that this motor show will exhibit 1125 vehicles, including 120 globally new-launched cars, with multinational corporations launching 36 cars globally and 35 in Asian. In addition, there are 74 concept cars and 88 new energy vehicles. So many globally new-launched cars and concept cars set a record in the domestic motor shows. For example, E-Bugster, Cross Coup��, new Lavida and CC 3.0 V6 of Volkswagon, new extended BMW 3, Buick Envision SUV, new Focus ST of Ford, two concept cars developed for the Chinese market by Honda, a mysterious globally new-launched car of Nissan, DS brand cooperated by Changan and PSA, and Luxgen of Dongfeng Yulon are under the spotlight.

Independent brands are full of potentials for growth

The domestic auto companies of China also choose Beijing Motor Show as the first platform to showcase independent brands and launch the latest scientific and technological achievements. Among the 120 globally new-launched cars, those of independent brands not only increase in number, but also improve greatly in quality.

It is introduced that FAW Group will launch two self-developed vehicles at this motor show, which are the new H7 of Hongqi and the B90 to be displayed by Besturn with a higher positioning. With the strategy of "full independence", Dongfeng Motor Corporation will cooperate with Dongfeng Honda to launch CIIMO, a new joint venture independent brand, apart from Fengshen A60 and Venucia D50. The first intermediate car C70G of Beijing Group and the first SUV of GAGC - Trumpchi GS5 also will make their debut in a high-profile way.

Meanwhile, from Chery concept car TX, BYD F3 Surui, China H230, small SUV Hover M4 of Great Wall, Gleagle GX7--the first SUV of Geely, Hawtai Boliger powered by diesel, B21 and other increasingly rich products, we will clearly feel the strength of growth of independent brands.

New energy vehicles show innovative charm

At this motor show, many auto manufacturers will launch their new energy vehicles, not only showcasing the research & development and promotion of new energy and hybrid vehicles in recent years, application of energy conservation and emission reduction technologies and other latest achievements, but also presenting the charm of combination of contemporary auto industry and the latest technologies.

As the leader of new energy vehicles, BYD will launch the first dual-mode electric vehicle called "Qin" in the world, which is equipped with the second generation DM dual-mode system. Compared with the first generation F3 DM hybrid vehicles, it is more powerful and can go farther if fully charged. In addition, as the result of deep cooperation between BYD and Daimler, the newly-launched new brand "Denza" electric vehicle will be shown at this motor show. Great Wall will launch its self-developed energy-saving and environment-friendly hybrid SUV Hover E at this show.

Nissan Motor will reveal three pure electric concept cars: intelligent urban electric concept car PIVO 3, zero emission pure electric concept sports car ESFLOW and multi-purpose light commercial vehicle e-NV200 that satisfies business and family needs. These vehicles that make their debut in China will present the advanced environmental concepts and technologies of Nissan Motor to the public.

At this motor show, Guangzhou Honda will announce the time of import and marketing of CR-Z and Fit Hybrid, which means that Guangzhou Honda formally enters the era of new energy vehicles. Toyota will showcase the reserve of new energy technologies in a multi-directional way through "PHV NS4 concept car" and "PHV new PRIUS PHEV concept car".

Dialogues and exchange activities are wonderful

For the theme of this motor show "Leading through Innovation", many meetings and activities in various forms will be held by the secretariat of Beijing Motor Show, including "2012 China Auto Forum", "2012 Technical Seminar on International Advanced Auto Automatic Transmission", dialogues between CEOs in auto industry at Beijing Motor Show themed by "2012 is 'transcendence' or 'rebirth'", the first summit of leaders of Chinese independent brands, "China Auto Summit" co-hosted with Automotive News, and night of auto designers.

"These activities are targeted at current hot spots in auto industry, keep up with the global economic changes and will eventually become a new force boosting a better development of the global auto industry through communication and collision of thoughts." said Wang Xia.

What attracts more attention is that auto giants home and abroad pay unprecedented attention to this show. Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault-Nissan, Akerson, chairman and CEO of GM and presidents, CEOs and executives of all other multi-national auto companies will attend this motor show in person and take part in relevant activities.