Auto Shanghai 2011 promises a blend of conflicting themes. While it will reflect the low-CO2 and sustainable development issues which are key in western auto markets, Shanghai will also be the setting for the latest round of new cars from the local Chinese car makers in what is now the biggest car market on the planet – and one where environmental innovation is low on the priority list.
BMW is set to unveil the Concept M5 at the show which is expected to be very close to the M5 production car due later this year. Though no official details have been released, the latest M5 will almost certainly be powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine and will be available with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Domestic makes BYD, Chery, Brilliance, Great Wall, JAC, Haima, Southeast, Lifan, Hafei, Zoety and Dongfeng Liuzhou Automobile are all expected to unveil new models.
On the supplier side, BorgWarner, Eaton, Bosch, Continental, ThyssenKrupp, ZF, Johnson Controls and Faurecia will exhibit in Shanghai for the first time.
Concept cars from Pininfarina, IDEA, ICONA, V-ENS, Sivax and Chinese design company TJ Innova will be displayed in a new 'Design Area'.
Key events during the show include a Summit Forum (18 April) debating the development of the Chinese auto industry, a Car Design Night (19 April) and several technology seminars - including a vehicle electronics forum aimed to exchange information between China and Taiwan.
Cartechnical will be at Auto Shanghai 2011 and will bring you all the tech news from the show as it happens.
