But Lei Yucheng has different priorities. Currently Automotive Department Professor at Shanghai Tongji University, Lei, in his 30s, would rather use the visit as a chance to acquire inspiration for his research and to improve the design capability of China's auto industry.

"What's the point of setting up auto joint ventures when all those core technologies are still in the hands of foreign players?" said Lei. "That way, the chances of China's auto sector growing stronger and surviving tough market conditions would be rather slim."

In 1999, Lei started Shanghai Tongji Innova Engineering and Technology Co Ltd. The company's major business is to provide auto design services for both domestic and foreign companies.

Through further co-operation with foreign design establishments and domestic auto companies, as well as next year's stock market listing, the company aims to become one of the top 20 global design companies in the coming five years.

Yet Lei's efforts may not be enough to achieve recognition from most Chinese automakers.

Due to low awareness of fostering their own design capabilities, most Chinese automakers rely on inflow of foreign technical know-how after setting up joint ventures with foreign auto companies.

As a result, few specialized auto-design companies like Shanghai Tongji Innova operate in China. In comparison, nearly 60 per cent of the design tasks of Germany's Volkswagen AG are accomplished by various independent design companies.

"Our disadvantage is the lack of extensive data and experience in auto design," said Guo Konghui of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

Guo estimates that the lag between Chinese and foreign auto design technologies is at least five to 10 years.

Guo's views were echoed by Meng Sizong, deputy secretary general of China Automotive Engineering Association.

"The reason why so few auto design companies are now operating in China is that there are far from enough customers to ensure their normal operation and sustain their future growth," Meng said.

In that regard, these small, private automakers, though short of financial support, may play a decisive part in the survival of independent design companies, experts said.

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