Beijing-Shanghai classic car rally

The 2013 China Rally of International Classic Cars will be held from Oct 9 to 21 with cars from across the world traveling nearly 1,800 km from Beijing to Shanghai. Organizers said the rally of remarkable cars will further promote automobile culture in China.

Survey: Boost for Chinese brands

A recent JD Power survey said that the percentage of local consumers who intend to purchase a new Chinese brand vehicle has increased to 27 percent, compared to 20 percent in 2012, primarily driven by demand in second and third-tier cities. Only 16 percent of consumers in first-tier cities said they are considering a domestic model. The survey found that 31 percent of respondents want to buy a European brand model, the highest rate among origins of all brands.

BMW sponsorship for Olympic skating

A partner of the Chinese Olympic Committee from 2011 to 2016, BMW recently announced a plan to sponsor the national team and junior team for figure skating. Last year the carmaker supported China's national fencing and sailing teams in the London Olympic Games. BMW also sponsors junior programs in basketball and golf to cultivate future champions.

Motoring

(China Daily USA 09/16/2013 page8)