Chinese car lovers get their SUV fix with the latest models on display at the Beijing Auto Show. (Photo : Twitter)
Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and electric cars are expected to be the crowd drawers for the 2016 Beijing Auto Show, which opened on Monday.
Major Chinese car manufacturer Great Wall Motors is set to unveil its Haval H7 SUV. The company's earlier H6 model, which was also introduced during the auto show, is considered as one of the biggest sellers in the Chinese SUV market for the past few years.
International brands including Ford, Honda, Mercedes, General Motors and Volkswagen are also expected to reveal their new SUV models.
Several of the anticipated models, such as Volkswagen's T-Prime Concept GTE, are concept cars meant to showcase new technologies, such as plug-in hybrids, that are yet to be included in public mass-production models, CNBC reported.
The Chinese SUV market has experienced a significant amount of growth in recent years, with sales increasing by 52 percent in 2015. Prices have also steadily decreased, mainly due to domestic car makers releasing budget models in an effort to get a larger share of the market, though foreign brands still have a firm hold.
However, new emission regulations are expected to affect the SUV market significantly. China's government has announced its intent to enact tighter car emission standards in an effort to curb air pollution. The new rules are expected to cut the allowed emissions by half.
China has also encouraged the growth of the electric vehicle market in recent years as a cleaner alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles.
Both local and foreign manufacturers will also be showcasing their latest electric concepts during the auto show, with 147 models confirmed to be on display, the Global Times reported.
Local company Guangzhou Automobile Group will debut its GS4 electric SUV, while Internet streaming provider Le Holdings is set to present its LeSEE electric concept.
The Beijing Auto Show, which is held every two years, runs until May 4.
