Electric vehicles in spotlight at 26th Chengdu Motor Show

Event's cutting-edge domestic, international NEV offerings highlight huge public demand

Chinese and international carmakers are showcasing a grand array of new models at the 26th Chengdu Motor Show, which are expected to inject vitality into the competitive vehicle market.

Around 1,600 models of 129 marques are on display at the event that runs from Aug 25 to Sept 3 in the capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province, according to Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai, one of the organizers.

Of them, 26 models are making their global debut and 31 are being unveiled to the public for the first time in the country.

Electric models are taking center stage at the event.

MG, a marque owned by SAIC Motor, China's largest carmaker by sales, is presenting its Cyberster, an electric two-door convertible. It was unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England in July.

MG said the model, which accelerates from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 3.2 seconds, will hit the market later this year.

BYD, China's largest new energy vehicle maker, is showcasing a number of models from its Song L SUV to the Bao 5 off-roader.

The Song L SUV is expected to become a rival of Tesla's Model Y when it is launched in the fourth quarter of the year.

The Bao 5 is the first production model of the Fang Cheng Bao brand, which BYD unveiled one week ahead of the Chengdu motor show.

Wang Chuanfu, founder and chairman of BYD, said that the Fang Cheng Bao brand will not only meet drivers' transport needs but also cater to their desire to display their status and individualism.

Avatr, a premium Chinese electric vehicle brand, launched a new version of its Avatr 11 SUV on the eve of the motor show.

Featuring Huawei's latest smart vehicle solutions, the model enables an onboard experience on its displays for drivers and passengers alike, much like the one on mobile phones.