Shanghai Auto Show

Notes and photos from the Shanghai motor show

Chery Shooting Sport conceptThe three-door concept was designed by Torino Design of Italy, which Chery Automobile says adds a touch of elegance to a small station wagon. (ALL PHOTOS BY ROGER HART)
JB
By:
James B. Treece
April 23, 2007 05:00 AM

SHANGHAI -- Briefs and notes from the Shanghai motor show:

-- After looking at the rising sophistication of Chinese carmakers' designs, Akinori Nakanishi, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. chief designer, admitted, "I'm scared."

-- Ferdinand Piech was spotted getting a preview tour of the Volkswagen stand at the Shanghai motor show. Guards posted every 10 feet around the stand's perimeter kept the curious at bay, and waved off an attempt to take a photo of the VW chairman.

-- Chery Automobile Co.'s stand was estimated to be three times larger than its well-attended stand at the 2005 Shanghai show. It also was widely acknowledged to be laid out and presented more professionally. But there was still a glitch. Two of Chery's show cars were displayed on platforms that placed their bumpers at eye level for most show-goers. That put the list of the cars' specifications, displayed on their rear windows, well out of sight.

You may e-mail James B. Treece at jtreece@crain.com

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