Concept cars gave way to energy-saving vehicles at Guangzhou's Fourth China International Automobile Exhibition, which opened to the public yesterday.

Shanghai General Motors Corp, GM's Chinese venture, gave Asia its first look at the Chevrolet HHR concept model, which attracted a lot of attention with its mix of sport utility vehicle and smaller-sized sedan.

The Fine-T hybrid model was also displayed by Toyota Motor Corp for the first time in China.

However, concept cars were in shorter supply this year, with small-engine cars attracting most of the spotlight.

Car manufacturers are becoming more aware of soaring oil prices and are developing energy-saving vehicles to meet market demand in China, where the government is stepping up measures to encourage the use of small-engine cars because of energy concerns.

Ford Motor Corp unveiled the hatchback version of its Focus, with the 1.8-liter version priced at 132,800 yuan (US$16,600) and the 2.0-liter engine priced at 169,800 yuan. The 1.8-liter model gives 100 kilometers for every 5.5 liters, almost equal to a 1.6-liter engine.

"With rising oil prices in China, only cars that offer performance and fuel economy will be favored by consumers," said Dale Jones, deputy general manger of Chang'an Ford Sales Company.

PSA Peugeot Citroen also launched its new Peugeot 206, powered by an imported 1.4-liter engine.

Peugeot hope the model, coupled with a relative low price of 77,800 yuan, will shake up the compact car market and help the company take on Shanghai Volkswagen's Polo, Honda's Fit as well as the new 1.7-liter Perla compact car unveiled by Fiat.

Chinese carmakers were not out in force at the show. Analysts said they were busy preparing for the upcoming Beijing Auto Show in December.

However, Chery Automobile Co Ltd, introduced its self-developed 1.6-liter Acteco engine. The engine features on Chery's Tiggo MPV and A5 sedan. The company already exports it to the North American market and hopes it will break into the European sector early next year.