Interview: More Chinese exhibitors expected at Swiss motor show in the future

Managing Director of Geneva's International Motor Show Andre Hefti told Xinhua Tuesday in an exclusive interview that Chinese interest in the renowned exhibition is bound to increase in coming years.

"Chinese manufacturers are very intelligent. If they decide to come it's only if they know they have products which are adapted for the European market, otherwise they are very careful, and rightfully so," he explained.

Techrules, a new China-based automotive company, will showcase the country's first supercars at the Geneva Motor Show this year.

"BYD is also a client who I expect to attend in the near future, I'm pretty sure of that," the head added.

With up to 700,000 people projected to attend this year's 86th edition, Hefti highlighted that despite the show's inherent and global success, it's not all just about numbers.

"Many journalists ask me whether I'm looking to break records. My answer to them is no, I'm looking to satisfy visitors, since a happy client is a client who will come back the following year," he noted.

Last year, 683,000 visitors came to Switzerland's biggest exhibition uniting major car manufacturers and preparation specialists under the same roof.

Lasting 11 days, this year's edition will host some 200 exhibitors from 30 different countries.

With many different cars in the limelight, Hefti indicated that on top of luxury models, many small HUVs, concept cars and autonomous vehicles will be showcased this year.

"We've always been pioneering for ecological and green cars," he continued, adding that the connected car remains a highly popular concept for clients.

Hailing mostly from either Switzerland or France (over 40 percent each), the remaining car enthusiasts come mainly from other European countries such as Italy and Germany.

The exhibition will open on March 3 and end on March 13. Endit