China appears to be the only place in the world where carmakers can sell their wares at the moment, with the Shanghai motor showing putting on a glitzy opening, and forecasting a 10 percent growth in sales this year.

China is now the world’s largest auto market, overtaking the US this year, and although the traditional giants like GM, Toyota, Nissan or Volkswagen dominate the market, either alone or in collaboration with Chinese partners, Chinese carmakers are rising and say they will soon be in a position to challenge the big boys. One, Changan, is even considering buying Volvo from Ford. As the crisis-hit western and Japanese carmakers struggle, a window of opportunity is opening for the Chinese, who are set to drive though it at speed.More about: Car industry, China

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