Here is something to give balm to the hearts of manufacturers and organizers of international motor shows, in Paris, Frankfurt, Geneva or Detroit.
While, due to a global pandemic, these shows have been canceled or postponed everywhere, the one in Beijing, the first in the world by size and the only one that has been maintained this year, is experiencing unexpected success.
Postponed for five months, this first post-Covid exhibition organized over ten days opened on Monday, after two days reserved for the press, while China, where the health crisis started, has largely controlled the spread of virus.
As soon as it opened and despite a limited number of entries in order to reduce attendance, the event attracted a large audience.
Taking the temperature, compulsory masks and an imposed distance of one meter, thousands of Chinese flocked to the stands to attend the live presentations of the new cars.
As BMW China CEO Jochen Goller told the crowd at the outset, the holding of this prestigious show is
"a symbol of hope"
for the industry.
If most of the leaders of foreign manufacturers had to virtually unveil their new models, nearly 800 vehicles, including 82 world premieres, were presented there.
While the global auto market is expected to slip 20% this year, China, which saw sales rebound 8% last month, is expected to be the only country to regain its 2019 volumes within two years, the company predicts. rating agency S&P.
This in particular thanks to the dynamic of electrification widely encouraged by the Chinese government.
