Models and children banned from Shanghai auto show

A model poses at the 2012 Beijing International Automobile Exhibition. [Photo/people.com.cn]

Scantily clad models and children are banned from the 16th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition opening on April 22, the Shanghai Morning Post reported on Thursday.

Models at auto shows have often been criticized for causing distractions by wearing fewer and fewer clothes. Pretty women could certainly attract the crowds but prevented potential customers from focusing on the vehicles.

With the introduction of the new rules visitors will now be able to concentrate on new energy and concept cars but, according to industrial insiders, auto dealers will try to hire models as "receptionists" or "sales consultants" to beat the ban.

Organizers have forbidden children from attending due to safety concerns.

The ban may be related to an incident in Beijing a month ago when a child climbed into a Tesla car while his parents were not paying attention and somehow started the engine.

The slowly moving vehicle almost hit other visitors but was stopped before things got worse.