At 17: 46 Beijing Time on March 24 th , the Olympic Flame was fired in Athens . The event has drawn worldwide attention. The City of Beijing is getting ready to host the 2008 Olympic Games in August and showcase a new Beijing as well as China ’ s long history and glorious culture.

The increased scale of automobile exhibitions in China is just a reflection of the fast growing Chinese economy. From April 20 to 28, 2008 Auto China 2008 will be held with the theme of “ Drea m · Harmony · New Vision. ” It will exceed any former shows in terms of exhibition scale, number of visitors and media coverage. It will also function as a prelude to the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing .

Auto China 2008 will be held at the New China International Exhibition Center located at Tianzhu Airport Industrial and Commercial Zone in Shunyi District about 1.5 kilometers west of the Capital International Airport. The New CIEC occupies 66 hectares of space, with 40 hectares of indoor space and 20 hectares of outdoor space. Eight exhibition halls have been completed with an area of 10 hectares, all of which will be used for Auto China 2008, plus another 6 hectares of outdoor space. The total exhibition area of 16 hectares will create a new record in the exhibition industry in China .

A public relation manager from Ferrari wrote in his MSN, “the crazy life of April is coming,” which refers to the busy preparation of exhibitors in getting ready for Auto China 2008. Toyota has taken an exhibition area of 5, 500 sq.m. to display 50 vehicle models including seven concept cars. Mercedes-Benz will present a world debut of a new model. Independent Chinese brands will also display new models at the trade event. Geely Holding Group will showcase 20 vehicles. SAIC Motor will display the Roewe 550, both a European and a Chinese edition. Beijing Auto Industry Holding will display two Beijing brand vehicles. FAW Car will debut its Red Flag SUV.

Many old and new brands will gather at the New CIES during the 10-day event. We believe Auto China 2008 will be a grand and successful international automobile trade event!