SUVs take spotlight at Chengdu show

Speeks said two of every five Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold in China are SUVs.

Beijing Hyundai Motor's Brand Communication Director Hsueh Haochih said there is high demand and fierce competition in the SUV sector.

The carmaker launched its all-new Tucson as the market diversifies in car sizes: compact, midsize and full-size.

"The SUV market is diversifying to meet more specific needs. Many rivals have launched various SUV products and now SUV models with excellent handling and strong engine power are becoming more popular," he said.

Zhang said "the carmakers' profitability is being affected by the competition".

"Now the more affordable lower-configuration SUV models are becoming popular. For example, more than 80 percent of the VolksWagen Tiguans sold have been front wheel drive models."

Auto companies are also using celebrities to help attract more attention from visitors to their SUVs at the auto show.

On Sept 4, Taiwan singer Jay Chou helped Dongfeng Yulon Motor launch the Luxgen brand SUV U6. His presence attracted so many people that the exhibition hall seemed as crowded as New York's Times square on new year's eve.