Spotlight on gas cutting models & concept cars

Laying rubber starting January 29, the Taipei International Auto Show 2008 hosted 29 automakers and 33 car brands that dazzled car lovers with a full 240 line-up of the latest vehicles. Among them were several imported concept cars that also premiered at the fair. On just one day, June 30, more than 45,000 visitors saw this event that had an overall ticket count of 230,000 visitors.

This event, stated a spokesperson for the organizer, TADA, lets automakers display a wide array of gas cutting models and concept cars. And this year the spotlight fell upon fuel saving cars that help offset soaring petrol prices. Also at the show were several heavy-duty motorcycles which now have an open road in Taiwan after the lifting of import barriers. These wheels attracted a devoted following of motorists from around the island.

As the auto show coincided with year-end Spring Festival celebrations, the opening hours were prolonged until 8 p.m. on December 31st to let passionate car fans make it through the chilly weather to attend the show.

Sponsors and exhibitors also contributed greatly to the success of the fair. For example, Nissan GT-R and Round Box, two high performance automobiles made their Taiwan debut at this event. And with them came some stock models including Livina and Tiida. These creations gave thousands of visitors an unforgettable experience of exceptional cars.

Ford focused on its theme ¡§New Generation¡¨ to highlight a versatile display of its new Ford Mondeo that promises to¡§Make Every Day Exciting¡¨. Also starring at the show was the new Taiwan-made vehicle Corolla Altis. With it, Toyota presented a series of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles and stock models that beckon eco-friendliness and innovation to match a growing wave of public concern for environmental issues.

For the much-anticipated giveaways, all of the exhibitors tried to capture visitor interest by distributing valueadded or useful gifts including 30 limited edition Chien-Ming Wang watches and petrol coupons-each worth NT$10,000 in fill-ups. This biennial Taipei International Auto Show successfully wrapped-up on February 6. Now thousands of car heads are eagerly awaiting the next event which will wow the crowds in 2010.