Carmakers seek new markets at China auto show

 Major carmakers have gathered in Beijing for China's leading auto show, seeking an edge in the world's largest automobile market after a sharp slowdown in growth. Once associated with rural life in China, the SUV, or sports utility vehicle, is increasingly favoured by city-dwellers. Zheng Chengfei, editor of the China SUV Weekly, forecasts sales in China will grow between 20 and 30 percent in 2012, with more energy-efficient urban and compact models likely to lead the market. "China's SUV buyers want a powerful car that reflects their rising social status," Zheng told AFP, adding most SUVs were sold to successful urban professionals. "They are looking for a big car with lots of space so they can get away for a relaxing weekend with the entire family, including grandparents." The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers says sales of the powerful off-road vehicles topped 1.59 million last year -- up 20 percent from 2010 and five times higher than five years earlier. Daimler AG, which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is among the foreign carmakers seeking to further tap into the lucrative sector in China -- the world's biggest auto market. "It's a...