Chinese tastes impact global car designs

CHINA: As more and more Chinese buy cars, automakers say consumer tastes in the Asian nation have a growing influence on vehicle design the world over. China emerged as the world’s top car market in 2009, and though the sector stalled last year, with sales rising just 2.5 percent to 18.51 million, carmakers are convinced it is where the industry’s future lies. Manufacturers at this week’s Auto China 2012 exhibition in Beijing said they have started to include features that appeal to the Chinese consumer -- from large grilles and highly visible chrome fittings to luxury back seats for the in-laws. “We want to have more China elements in our design for global cars,” said Shen Li, spokeswoman for Nissan China.

“The designers find inspiration in traditional paper cutting, or in Tang (dynasty) paintings representing opulent women. Every model in the future has to have a good potential in China.” The car penetration rate in China is still relatively low compared to more mature markets.

AFP