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Beijing motor show: China means (auto) business

By Guy Bird Motor Shows 22 April 2008 05:34 Only a fool wandering around this week's Beijing motor show would still dismiss China as some also-ran automotive market full of rip-off designs and outdated ‘new’ cars based on old Western designs. While all of those clichés were still in evidence at the Chinese auto show, the copycat mentality is much less obvious than even a year ago at last year's Shanghai show. And every western car exec CAR spoke to was in awe of the upward sales trajectory that means China is still the place to do business in 2008.Yes, there are still some odd automotive fish, usually small ‘three-box’ saloon in shape such as the Chinese market only Citroen C-Elysee and the VW Lavida (a Jetta/Bora Plus car with less style).

Audi explores new color and trim options

Audi, well known for creating some of the most desired automotive interiors in the business, is looking to push the boundaries of personalization and further increase the levels of quality of interior design in its vehicles. The first vehicle to benefit from this will be the new Q3, revealed at the Shanghai motor show in April. Its interior contains a new style of inlays made from larch wood and aluminum, a range of interior colors and an optional LED interior light package.

Ford gets another NO on Volvo

And the beat goes on… Ford has been trawling the world’s car manufacturers (and Governments) for what seems like forever, in an increasingly desperate attempt to off-load its Swedish subsidiary, Volvo. They appear to have tried everyone from the Swedish Government to BMW and Mercedes, with a fair dose of Chinese firms in between (has Ford offered to sell it to you yet? Don’t worry, it won’t be long!) And now Reuters are reporting that yet another Chinese Car Co has declined the offer.