- Automobile industry heavyweights are gathered in Beijing ahead of next week's major auto show. Many of the side interviews with exec are as revealing as the model reveals.
- Ford (NYSE:F) CEO Mark Fields is on the scene. He has already tipped to reporters that the automaker isn't interested in a merger with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (NYSE:FCAU). Last week, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne teed up Toyota (NYSE:TM), Volkswagen (VLKAY), and the Blue Oval as the only remaining potential merger partners left in the industry.
- This year's event takes on added significance with local manufacturers increasing market share in China. During Q1, the top five selling models in the high-margin SUV category were all made by Chinese companies.
- Automobile sales are expected to rise 7% in China this year, aided by a tax break on purchases. Some analysts think that demand will fall flat next year.
- Another key topic will be the supply chain disruption due to the earthquakes in Japan. Most of the majors have been affected by the natural disaster.
- Models being showcased next week at the Beijing Auto Show include the Acura CDX, Audi TT RS, Chevrolet FV2030, Jaguar XFL, and the all-electric LeEco.
- The LeEco is made by the Chinese parent company of EV player Faraday Futures. Though there's plenty of room in the China EV market for LeEco, Tesla Motors, and others - a Bloomberg report this week indicated that EV sales numbers out of China can't be trusted.
- Related automaker stocks: OTC:CQCAF, OTCPK:GWLLF, OTCPK:GWLLY, OTCPK:GELYF, OTCPK:GELYY, OTCPK:BYDDY, OTCPK:BYDDF, KNDI, OTCPK:DNFGY, OTCPK:DNFGF, OTCPK:DDAIF, VLKAY, BAMXY, GM, TTM.
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