Beijing auto show kicks off
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-06-09 15:28

Volkswagen's new "Concept R" coupe is displayed at the Auto China Show in Beijing June 9, 2004. Volkswagen AG on Tuesday brushed off concerns its pole position in the China car market was under threat from rival General Motors, a day after GM made a bid for the top spot with a massive expansion plan. [Reuters]

Lamborghini's "Murcielago" is displayed on the first day of the Auto China Show in Beijing June 9, 2004. The Auto China Show is held from June 9 to 16 in China's capital. China's booming economy has led to a surge of car production and sales. Many leading car makers believe that China could become the fastest-growing market in the next five to ten years. [Reuters]

A Spyker C8 Spyder is driven along a road in Beijing June 8, 2004. Dutch made-to-order luxury sports car manufacturer Spyker may have delivered just a handful of dream machines to its global clientele but hopes booming China will soon prove to be one of its most lucrative markets. The Netherlands-based company which had delivered around ten cars since its rebirth in 2000 sold an aubergine-hued speedster to a Chinese entrepreneur for 6.88 million yuan (US$831,000) last month and was confident of find more local buyers. [Reuters]