China Opens the First Major Car Show Since Covid-19

The Beijing Auto Show got underway Saturday, and while there were fewer foreign car executives thanks to border restrictions, thousands still thronged the huge New China International Exhibition Center eager for a glimpse of what automakers — from marquee international names to EV startups — have in store.

An electric Mustang and a flying car from one of the most-watched names in the electric-vehicle space right now were among the models on display at the only major automotive show to take place in the world this year.

Masks were de rigueur, as were temperature checks. But as cities in Europe re-impose lockdown restrictions and infections in the U.S. soar past seven million, the Beijing event shows China’s success in beating back the virus. The capital has recorded just one confirmed Covid-19 case since the start of August, according to official data.

The world’s biggest market since 2009, China can still grow because of its relatively low car penetration and rapidly expanding middle class. At the show, Aston Martin China President Michael Peng noted its clientele are getting ever younger, while Porsche China CEO Jens Puttfarcken sees a fillip from domestic-shackled consumers flush with cash.

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