A number of the auto models displayed at the ongoing 78th Geneva Auto Show might be introduced into the Chinese market, Autohome.com.cn, one of China's major automobile news portals, reported yesterday.

The new Ford Fiesta, which will make its debut at the annual auto show, is expected to replace the old Fiesta, no longer produced in China.

In addition to the Fiesta, Ford also brought its Kuga crossover vehicle to the auto show. Local production of the Kuga will help the US automaker expand its market share in China.

The Citroen C5, which was unveiled in October 2007, will be produced beginning in 2009 at Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile Company's second plant, PSA Peugeot Citroen's Chinese joint venture with Dongfeng Motor, in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei Province.

PSA Peugeot Citroen's 307S model is expected in China by the end of this year, according to the report.

The Skoda Superb, Volkswagen's European hot seller, is the best chance for the German automaker to further expand its influence China, after the Octavia, the first Skoda model in China.

Swedish automaker Volvo said it will introduce its XC60 sport utility vehicle (SUV) into China, and that model could be a heavy weapon for Volvo here.

Mercedes-Benz's GLK, with a 4Matic four-wheel drive system, will be the best choice for Benz in attracting Chinese fans for small-sized SUVs.

(Chinadaily.com.cn March 7, 2008)