MOFCOM-sponsored China International Auto Products Expo (CIAPE) was held in the National Exhibition and Conference Centre (Shanghai), Hongqiao. With over 90,000 visitors on its first day, the expo attracted a total of 130,000 visitors during the 3-day event.

CIAPE is the first expo held in the National Exhibition and Conference Centre (Shanghai), Hongqiao, also known as the four-leaf clover. Covering whole vehicle, auto parts, electronics and information technology, clean fuels, technical equipment, auto accessories, maintenance and diagnosis equipment, tire, auto tuning, motorcycle, CIAPE displayed products and technology of the entire auto industry, the first among its peers. With 1500 exhibitors from China and overseas, the expo covered an area of over 120,000sq.m.

As the first expo at the four-leaf clover, the expo attracted both professional trade visitors and consumers. Compared with previous expos, CIAPE 2014 better met the demands of the auto industry. Covering China’s own brand, overseas companies, SOEs and private-owned companies, exhibitors organized by government departments and private organizers, the expo reflected the status quo of China’s auto industry and market.

Overseas exhibitors displayed their state-of-the-art products and technology
Based on the China International Auto Parts Expo, CIAPE expands its portfolio from auto parts to the entire auto industry. This year, the expo is moved from Beijing to National Exhibition and Conference Centre (Shanghai）, Hongqiao Central Business District. Targeted at global auto accessories market and after-sale market, the expo displayed the overall level and trend of development of both China and the entire world. It played a key role in promoting exchanges, investment cooperation and trade.

Auto parts section was located in Hall 3, the theme of which is energy-saving, environment-protection, comfort and smart. Tesla displayed three models and became the hottest exhibitor of the expo. The Booth was surrounded by thousands of visitors during the three-day expo, showing consumers’ expectation for emission-reduction, smart and affordable products.

Bosch showcased CRS1-18, compressed natural gas, processing system of commercial vehicle exhausts, sensor and after-sale products. ‘Bosch wishes to work with more Chinese auto and auto parts companies. All the products are suited for the demand of the current auto market. It will remain committed to the fast development of China’s auto industry.’ said a staff on site.

Overseas auto parts companies attended the expo in groups. Comprised of 32 Korean companies, the Korean delegation included Halla Incorporation、SANE Corporation、JEONGDO Industry、SEHAN Elec-tools、Daeji Metal. Cutting-edge products and technology of auto electronics, modified parts, manufacturing equipment, technical equipment were displayed at the expo. Some exhibitors wished to work with more companies in the auto industry at the platform.

Japanese exhibitors included AISIN SEIKI, TOYOTA BOSHOKU etc. TOYOTA BOSHOKU is committed to the R & D of plant fabric. It strives to reduce the use of chemical materials and provide an environment-friendly interior space. AISIN SEIKI focused on after-market. It wishes to provide after-sale auto parts such as Clutch，Water Pump，ATF，Brake Pad，etc.

Equipment testing section attracted hundreds of thousands of consumers
Located in Hall 4, technical equipment section was the undoubtedly the hottest section of the auto parts manufacturing enterprises. The section showcased moulds, wearable parts designed for auto and auto parts manufacturing. The section brought together over 200 exhibitors from over 10 countries and regions such as America, Germany, Canada, Swiss, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, China Taiwan and Hong Kong. Most well received products included CNC precision automatic lathe and numerically controlled metal procession machine from Citizen, Precision Tsugami and Miyano, alloy die casting equipment, injection molding equipment and machining solutions for the auto industry etc. 3D printing section displayed printed auto parts and exquisite artwork by 3D printing technology which attracted the attention of professional trade visitors and art lovers.

Technical equipment section works for the upstream of the industrial chain while I/M equipment section serves the downstream. ‘The section displays all products we need ranging from machine tools to electrical screw drivers. More importantly we have the opportunity to exchange ideas with manufacturing and get to know the features of all equipment.’ One after-sale service center staff told the reporter. On top of that, the section also displayed auto spray paint, auto environment-protection products, auto aid products, auto electronics and auto safety products, etc. 
The expo also provided an excellent opportunity of auto repair shop students to learn. Mr. Xu, from marketing department of Boshi Motor Repair School said,’ we wish to take advantage of the expo to communicate with auto, auto parts and after-sale service centers. The students got abreast of the status quo of the auto repair industry.

Auto accessories and auto tuning market present huge potential
As the pioneer for promoting auto products and brands, the expo served as an excellent platform for auto accessories enterprises to exchange with overseas dealers. The organizer invited numerous buyers from China and overseas, creating opportunities for exhibitors to develop trade channels in China as well as in the world. Unique and multi-function auto accessories attracted the attention of buyers.

Electronics and information technology section aimed to adapt to technological and industrial revolutions characterized by the new internet and new energy technologies. Organized by China Electronics Chamber of Commerce (CECC) along with professional associations such as China Federation of Automobile Information and Beidou Automotive Application Industry Alliance, the section showcased information technology of public transportation and commercial vehicles, auto navigation and positioning products, auto electronics, demonstration of innovations of smart Page 5 of 14 transportation, wearable equipment etc. Chinese companies have made great process in terms of both design and operation experience.

At auto tuning section, auto tuning companies from China Taiwan exhibited in China mainland for the first time. Engaged in strengthening engines, Taiwan BLUE WAVE attracted experts to communicate and exchange ideas. The staff said to the reporter, China’s auto tuning market is yet to develop yet the great number of visitors showed the huge market potential of modified cars. At the motorcycle section, traditional fuel motorcycle and tricycles as well as state-of-the-art scooter with lithium ion batteries were displayed. According a salesman, lithium ion batteries are mainly exported to the Europe and America. With the increasing awareness of environment-protection of Chinese consumers and reduction of cost, the products will be popularized in China as well.

COFCO Corporation Bio-energy Department is committed to environmental protection. It demonstrated Ethanol fuels it developed at the expo with the help of brochures and postcards and they were well received by the visitors.

Whole vehicle section attracted renowned exhibitors such Chery, JAC, Zoyte, Yulon, Geely etc as well luxury cars such as Bentley and Ferrari. At half past four on the second day of the expo. A staff of Chery told the reporter, ‘ I just have the time to talk to you. There are so many visitors.’