CCTV9英语新闻：Beijing Autoshow: Electrics at crossroads, in-car connectivity needs time（在线收听）

At the Beijing Autoshow many carmakers are showcasing their latest electrics, hybrids and in-car connectivity gadgets. Xia Cheng and Cheng Lei find out how far those technologies are from the average driver.

At the Beijing Autoshow many carmakers are showcasing their latest electrics, hybrids and in-car connectivity gadgets.

The world’s largest auto market --not surprisingly, also has the most competition. Joint ventures, imports, domestics--all trying to win market share with technology. The big buzz this year -- is about electric cars and in-car connectivity.

"People wants music in the car, but car related services such as navigation systems prefer systems integrated with cars." Wolf-Hengging Scheider, Board Member of Bosch said.

Carmakers and software providers all want a piece of the action.

The US audio equipment firm. Harman CEO Dinesh Paliwal tells me that in the era of the mobile internet, the company is undergoing major transitions.

At the Beijing Autoshow many carmakers are showcasing their latest electrics, hybrids and in-car connectivity gadgets.

When it comes to connectivity, whether it allows cars to talk to each other or to drive themselves, its all about making driving less work, more fun.

"Full automatic driving is far away, but assisting the driver will have that within three to four years, also in china." Wolf-Hengging Scheider said.

In the meantime, electric cars are getting plenty of attention here at the auto show, thanks to the Tesla hype and environmental awareness. But some believe it may be too early for electrics to take off.

Beside lagging charging infrastructure, another concern is that e-vehicles need to find a balance between going farther and lighter batteries.

Buying cars is just a start -- the aftermarket is where the long term money is. Insurance, leasing, trading in, repair and maintenance, that 50 billion yuan market is surging ahead with 40% annual growth.

We show you how BMW’s China JV is getting into car rentals, and how the mobile internet is inspiring service firms like BitAuto. That’s our Beijing Auto Show Special--on Thursday.

At the Beijing Autoshow many carmakers are showcasing their latest electrics, hybrids and in-car connectivity gadgets.