The 2001 Shanghai International Automobile Show opened Sunday at the newly inaugurated Shanghai International Exposition Center.

A total of 125 automobile and parts producers from both at home and abroad are taking part in the show, with Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Toyota, Citroen and Fiat all bringing their latest products.

Shanghai Volkswagen's new Polo, and the Bora, a new car from its rival FAW-Volkswagen, are among the new products from local auto makers.

Tens of thousands of Shanghai citizens flocked to the show, despite heavy rain, on the first day.

( People's Daily December 10, 2001)