Wuhan now readies for commercial vehicle expo

Despite an overall slowing in the economy, the second China Commercial Vehicles Show set for October in Wuhan will significantly increase in size, said organizers.

Held from Oct 30 to Nov 2 in the capital of Hubei province, this year's show will cover 80,000 square meters of exhibition space, 20,000 sq m more than last year's event.

Areas have been added for automotive electronics and emergency vehicles, said the organizing committee.

"The show is coming to Hubei for the second time because of its strength in commercial vehicle production," said Tao Hongbing, deputy director of the Hubei Economy and Information Technology Commission.

The province is home to Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle Co, China's second-largest commercial vehicle company by sales.

"The provincial government has given crucial support to the show by helping attract suppliers and buyers from throughout the country and the world," Tao said.

Exhibitors will include major manufacturers of passenger, commercial and special-purpose vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks and street cleaners.

Components producers from home and abroad will also display their products, said the organizing committee.

As well, various forums will be held to help facilitate exchanges and transactions.

"We hold the forums in the hope of creating the best possible benefits for both suppliers and buyers," said Wang Xia, president of the automotive sub-council at the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

Events will include an international summit for industry leaders and experts to have in-depth discussions on the market from various angles.

There will also be forums for various segments to facilitate connections between manufacturers and buyers.

To date, representatives from Germany, Russia, India, Malaysia as well as Taiwan province have all confirmed attendance.

"We hope to build the event into the largest of its kind in Asia after three to five sessions," said Wang Xia.

Last year's show was also held in Wuhan. It was praised as "a milestone in China's automotive industry" by Zhu Hongren, chief technical official at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Renowned automakers and component suppliers FAW, Dongfeng, Foton, Sinotruk, Shannxi Automobile, Daimler, Michelin, and Palfinger displayed their products and technologies at last year's show.