In Suzhou High-tech New District, automobile industry is combined with two connected fields: one is automobile parts industry center and the other is Suzhou High-tech International Automobile City. Based on more than 100 automobile parts factories and more than 200 automobile products, Suzhou High-tech New District is planning to build an automobile parts industrial center in its north area, focusing on the research and development (R&D) of electronic automobile products. While in the north-east area, there will be an international automobile city where automobile shows and a variety of service will be provided. The City will involve 6 functions: 4S shops, automobile supervision, second hand auto service center, auto check center , auto parts market and exhibition hall.
It is estimated that during the time from January to June 2005, 3,270 automobiles were sold by 11 4S shops in the Automobile City, racing the sale product value to 787million RMB.
In August 2003, the Automobile City began attracting foreign investment. By the end of June 2005, 25 brands of automobiles had been established the city, including some famous ones like Buick and Peugeot China. 11 auto companies began their sale business, and 5 4S shops will open soon.
Meanwhile, Suzhou High-tech International Automobile City will attract the attention of the auto industry by hosting the 2005 National Automobile Parts Suppliers Fair (from September15 to 19, 2005) and East China Automobile Exhibition (from September22 to 28, 2005). Up till now, the main body of the construction work of the exhibition center has been completed. The work will be fully completed by the end of July and be checked this August.
The exhibition center will cover 23,000 square meters which is big enough to hold 830 automobile displays. It is estimated that the location will be fully packed. By now many factories and companies have shown their interest in this exhibition.
On one hand the Automobile City makes efforts to develop its automotive industry, on the other hand it takes an active part in creating its automotive culture. According to the plan, the Automobile City evaluates itself as“One City and Four Centers”.“The Four Centers”refer to a regional marketing center which has famous 4S shops, a service center which includes automobile charging and testing, second-hand automobile service and automobile technical schools. An automotive culture center consists of an exhibition center, automotive clubs, and a living and commerce center. Of the Four Centers, the former two centers concentrate mainly on the industry while the latter two concentrate on the culture. The two aspects have a close relationship: the industry includes the culture and the culture serves the industry. On July 16th, the Automobile City assisted with the Chinese Automotive Model Championship Competition, and at the end of August, the Suzhou station of Ferrari Racing Car will be located in the Automobile City.
