Taipei International Auto Show gets ready to dazzle

For those who would like a sneak preview of concept cars and upcoming vehicle models, the "2006 Taipei International Auto Show" opening on Saturday is the perfect opportunity.

"Compared to the last show in 2003, visitors will this year be able to see more concept cars and new models, which have just been unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in October," said Cheng Ching-tien (鄭進田), secretary general of the event's organizer, the Taipei Automobile Distributors Association (台北市汽車代理商業同業公會).

This year's show will have 29 auto vendors and distributors showcasing 38 brands with over 200 models, Cheng said, adding that the event is expected to attract over 200,000 visitors.

The last show had 24 auto vendors displaying 34 brands and an estimated 180,000 visitors.

The biennial auto show will run through Jan. 1 at the Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall I.

It will be open from 10am to 6pm daily and admission is NT$250, according to the association.

"The Taipei International Auto Show is an expo where all automakers will fight to gain as much exposure as they can, as it is a platform to display their latest models and technologies," Wesley Liu (劉淳瑋), vice president of the marketing and sales division of Ford Lio Ho Motor Co (福特六和), said yesterday during a preview of his company's models.

The nation's fourth-biggest automaker will highlight its sports car, the Ford GT, at the show along with other hybrid and diesel vehicles.

With a price tag of nearly NT$5 million (US$150,000), the Ford GT retained 90 percent of the design of its predecessor, the Ford GT 40, which made racing history in 1966 when it trounced Ferrari in the 24-hour Le Mans race by taking the first three places.

Only units rolled off the production line last year and all were snapped up.

China Motor Corp (中華汽車), Taiwan's second-largest automaker, will display its concept car, the D:5.

The D:5 is a concept version of Mitsubishi's next-generation Delica model. It is meant to provide a classy living space and functionality along with all-terrain capabilities.

From January through Dec. 10 this year, the nation's total automobile sales amounted to 482,674 units, according to statistics compiled by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.

Hotai Motor Co (和泰汽車) took the lead with a market share of 28.6 percent. China Motor came in second with 17.1 percent, followed by Yulon Nissan Motor Co (裕隆日產) at 12.9 percent.