Hyundai Debuts China Market Elantra Alongside New Santa Fe a

This year's edition of the Beijing Motor Show coincided with the 10th anniversary of Hyundai's joint venture in China. In celebration of the occasion, the Korean automaker revealed the domestic market versions of the Elantra, which has been renamed Langdong, and the Sante Fe SUV, while it also brought along two concept models, one of which is pictured above.

Speaking at a press event in Beijing, Hyundai Vice President Seung-Tack Kim said: "A decade ago, Hyundai was known for making only small cars. Today, our Equus and Genesis luxury cars compete with the best vehicles that Europe can make. Ten years ago, we were a follower in the auto industry. Today, we are a leader – and ready for the future."

The first concept model at Hyundai's stand is the Shouwang BHCD-1, a luxury sedan prototype from the sub-brand established by the joint venture between Hyundai and its Chinese partner, Beijing Automotive. The BHCD-1 was first revealed at the Guangzhou auto show last November.

The second concept is the i-oniq, a range-extended electric sports car first seen at the 2012 Geneva Salon in March.

The Chinese market version of the Elantra, the Langdong, will be produced at Hyundai’s new, third plant in Beijing in the second half of this year. Engine options include a 1.6-liter petrol with 126hp (128PS) and a 1.6-liter unit producing 144hp (146PS), linked to either 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

Auto China 2012: Brilliance Auto Greater China II Concept an

The BMW Group's Chinese partner Brilliance Auto displayed three new models at the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition including an impressive concept for a mid-size sedan called the 'Great China II'.

The Chinese company said the prototype study would spawn a production model within the next two years that will sit atop of its range. The saloon measures close to 5 meters in length and features a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.

Brilliance also premiered the H230, a compact-size sedan (think Focus) measuring 4.4 meters in length that will enter production this summer with engine options at launch including 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter petrol units.

Finally, Brilliance showed the H530 REEV, an electric-powered technology prototype based on the company's sedan series.

Ford Lifts the Veil on Production 2013 EcoSport Small Crosso

Only a few months after the debut of the EcoSport Concept at the New Delhi Auto Expo in January, Ford presented the production version of its new small crossover in a world premiere at the Auto China 2012 in Beijing.

Ford's answer to the Nissan Juke will be produced in China, India, Thailand and South America and will be offered in nearly 100 markets globally. The Detroit automaker did not say if the U.S. will be amongst those countries to get the EcoSport, though it is unlikely.

"The new EcoSport is full of personality," said J Mays, head of Ford Motor Company's design division. "Customers around the world immediately recognise its capability and SUV robustness that is achieved with aggressiveness. It is friendly and it’s a vehicle that really makes you smile."

In Beijing, Ford showed the top-of-the-line model, the EcoSport Titanium that boasts 16-inch alloy wheels and a chrome grille on the outside, and several standard technology and comfort features inside such as the Ford SYNC infotainment system with voice control.

The EcoSport will be offered with several engine options (depending on the market), including a new 1.5-liter Ti-VCT petrol engine and the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost turbocharged engine rated at 118hp and 125lb ft of torque.

Renault Introduces Talisman Flagship Saloon at the Auto Chin

The Renault brand looked into its South Korean portfolio and more precisely Samsung to find a suitable flagship model to add to its lineup in China. What the French automaker found is the Samsung SM7 that was launched in its home market in the summer of 2011.

After swapping badges, the Talisman was born and it made its world premiere at this week's 2012 Beijing Auto Show. The Talisman is a China-only model and will be produced in Korea alongside the SM7.

Renault said it will be exported to China starting in mid-June 2012 with a base price of 318,800 RMB (€38,652 or US$50,400 ).

The 5.0-meter long sedan model is offered in China with a choice of two engines, a 2.5-liter V6 producing 187hp (190PS) and 243Nm, and a 3.5-liter V6 with 254hp (258PS) and 330Nm. Both engines are linked to a standard six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift function.

Hongqi Debuts Flagship L7 and H7 Sedans at the Beijing Auto

No Chinese auto show is complete without a reference to Hongqi (Red Flag), one of the oldest nameplates in the country and at one time, the only brand for the domestic political elite.

At the Auto China 2012 in Beijing, Hongqi presented two new models, the flagship L7 showcar and the production ready H7 sedan, while its parent company First Automobile Works (FAW) laid out a new five-year investment plan for the brand.

The most impressive model at Hongqi's stand is without doubt the L7, a throwback to the days of the Cold War when the company produced China's state limousines.

As with Hongqi's previous flagship limousine concept, the HQD from 2005, there's a V12 engine located behind the brazen 1950's style front end. The 6.0-liter mill is said to produce a little over 400-horses.

The other model premiered by Hongqi is the H7 full-size luxury sedan that's based on the running gear of the Chinese market Toyota Crown. The H7 is described as Hongqi's answer to the long-wheelbase versions of the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class and is said to be offered with a turbocharged 2.0-liter straight four, two V6 engines, and possibly a PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle).

At the Beijing show, FAW also announced plans to invest 10.5 billion Yuan (US$1.67 billion) in the next five years to reshape Hongqi and develop a new lineup of four models including two SUVs.

Roewe Unwraps New 950 Flagship Sedan Based on the Buick LaCr

Roewe, the Chinese brand that was formed from the leftovers of Rover after the British company collapsed in 2005 has now turned to General Motors for help in creating its new flagship sedan model.

At the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, Roewe celebrated the world premiere of the new 950 that borrows the platform and running gear of the current generation Buick LaCrosse, which is also sold in China.

At 4,996mm long (196.7-in), 1,857mm (73.1-in.) wide, and 1,502mm (59.1-in.) tall with a 2,837mm (111.7-in) wheelbase, the Roewe 950 is very close in dimensions to the mid-size Buick sedan.

GM's China division lends all three available engines that include a 2.0-liter producing 145hp and 190Nm, a 2.4-liter with direct injection that generates 184hp and 240Nm, and a range-topping 3.0-liter V6 with direct injection and an output of 255hp and 296Nm.