Many of the photographers at Taiwan’s largest auto show are aiming their cameras not just at models of concept cars but also at the showgirls who survived a stringent selection process that began months ago to allow them to strut their stuff at the show.
Ann Chen, who is working for Suzuki during the Dec. 26 to Jan. 3 Taipei International Auto Show, said that unlike other types of show, clients exhibiting at the auto show started looking for models and showgirls much earlier.
This year, the process started as early as April.
Chen, who is also a model agent, said that the size of the new cars on show is one of the key factors in selecting models.
“Companies that plan to display large cars prefer tall girls, while those with small ones choose shorter ones,” she said on Monday.
The preparation process for the auto show is also longer than for other shows, Chen added.
The screening process requested by clients started in July or August this year, compared with two weeks to two months of preparation for computer and other shows, she said.
Every screening interview is a “ruthless” process for the candidates, she said.
“After the screening, you have to learn how to cheer yourself up and go for the next one if you fail to make the list,” she said.
At the auto show, the 18th of its kind, the models do not just stand there and smile.
They have to handle a variety of tasks.
“Some need to know how to dance, some serve as emcees for activities, while others give away small gifts at the reception desks,” Chen said.
Chen, who wears a red wig and dresses up as a car-race girl along with seven colleagues, has to put on a 20-minute performance five times a day during weekdays and six times on the weekend.
Models at the auto show often outshine their peers at other shows, Chen said, explaining that “the car companies focus very much on the looks and temperament of the models.”
Another key element in the presentation of models and showgirls is their costumes, which are tailor-made to go with the cars on display.
“Attention has to be paid to every little detail of the costumes. For example, the car logo must always be seen and visible in photos, no matter how the girls pose,” said Coraline Lin (林乃卉), the publicist for the event.
It costs NT$6,000 (US$186) to NT$15,000 on average to hire a model for a day in Taiwan, Lin said.
Nevertheless, not every car company uses models or showgirls as the principal means to help promote their products.
Companies such as Audi and Porsche prefer to appeal to visitors by focusing less on dancing showgirls and more on setting up VIP rooms where visitors can have a seat and enjoy a complimentary dessert.
This tactic might work on Jean-Francois Fort, a French car fan who was surprised to see so many people pointing their cameras at the girls rather than at the cars, and the long line of people waiting to have their photo taken with the girls.
“They should at least take some photos of the cars,” he said.
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