The Guangzhou Auto Show winds up this weekend, and judging by the number of important models debuted over the past week, the southern Chinese city seems to be experiencing a resurgence in popularity among carmakers.
About 1,130 vehicles were on display at the same sprawling complex used for the Canton Trade Fair, including 56 global premieres, and simultaneous electric vehicle and commercial vehicle exhibitions.
One has to wonder what SAIC Motor Corporation has in store on home turf in Shanghai next April. The group got off to a strong start in Beijing earlier this year by unveiling the Roewe RX5, billed as the first “internet car”, with a telematics system developed with Alibaba. Building on this, SAIC made three debuts in Guangzhou.
First was the MG ZS, a small Ford Ecosport-sized SUV that ushers in a new look for the brand, with a large grille and more British style than earlier offerings under Chinese ownership. Then there was the Roewe i6, which replaces the 550. Back in 2008, it was probably the best ever car to be made by a Chinese manufacturer, but is now showing its age. The i6 is likely to spawn a replacement for the MG 6, which may possibly be called the ZT.
Rounding out the trio was the Maxus T60 pickup truck. Sporting a 2.8 litre turbo diesel, this vehicle seems well suited for export markets, and in China prices start at a bargain 99,800 yuan.
All three models have telematics largely based on the YunOS system first seen in the RX5.
