Shanghai Motor Show gallery 2

Ford also pulled the wraps from this saloon based on the new Fiesta. Local market trends mean that its this version, not the hatchback that will be the top seller. According to Ford, the firm already has several thousand orders for the model from eager customers.

Though clearly not a working machine, this Formula One style machine from Geely got pride of place on the firm’s giant Shanghai Motor Show stand. According to some experts the firm is seriously exploring the possibility of entering a high profile racing championship in the near future.

Riich is the first of two new sub-brands launched by established car maker Chery at this year’s Shanghai Motor Show. Designed to offer greater luxury, the M1 (pictured) gets a digital dash and a choice of 1 and 1.3-litre petrol engines.

Dongfeng Motors, which at this year’s show also revealed its new I-Car and Tai Concept vehicles also pulled the wraps from this hybrid lorry. Dongfeng is growing rapidly at the moment, and plans three new platforms for A, B and A0 segment cars.

Shanghai Motor Show's rapid growth is not just down to the sea of new cars it brings together. The event also hosts lorries launches too. Here Chinese maker FAW – First Auto Works – shows off its latest HGV tractor units.

It’s not just Britain that’s been goig crazy about the new Fiesta, Ford’s stylish supermini was among the stars of this year’s Shanghai Motor Show too. Set to be built at the firm’s factory in Nanjing. Offering a choice of 1.3 and 1.5-litre petrol engines, entry level versions will cost from £7,500.

BYD – the firm that takes its name from the slogan, Build Your Dream – showed off its tuned F3R , complete with huge rear wing and bucket seats. Like the Roewe 550 RS also revealed at the show, the F3R offers few mechanical upgrades over standard, yet underscores a new, performance oriented, chapter in the development of the Chinese car industry.