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BMW uses Yao Ming to launch plug-in hybrid sedan

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-04-20 09:47

Chinese basketball star Yao Ming waves to the crowd as he appears?at the Shanghai Auto Show during the opening day,?April 19, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

SHANGHAI?- BMW, one of the top auto brands in China, got a little help from Chinese basketball star Yao Ming to launch an electric concept car at the Shanghai auto show.

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The Houston Rockets center made a surprise appearance Tuesday at the German automaker's display as it unveiled a plug-in hybrid sedan based on the 5 Series. The car will be produced with BMW's joint venture partner Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd and is set to go into production in 2013.

Yao towered over a BMW executive as he praised the car's eco-friendliness. Throngs of people from the media and auto industry crowded around the BMW stand to take pictures of Yao, who stands 2.3 meters tall.