AUTOMAKERS are showcasing electric SUVs and sedans with more driving range and luxury features at the Shanghai auto show, trying to appeal to Chinese buyers in their biggest market as China slashes subsidies that have propelled demand.

General Motors (GM), Volkswagen, China’s Geely and other brands display dozens of models, from luxury SUVs to compacts priced under US$10,000, at Auto Shanghai 2019. The show, the global industry’s biggest marketing event of the year, opened to the public Saturday following a preview for reporters.

Last week, GM unveiled Buick’s first all-electric model for China. GM said the four-door Velite 6 can travel 301 kilometers before the battery needs charging.

VW showed off a concept electric SUV, the whimsically named ID. ROOMZZ, designed to travel 450 kilometers on one charge. Features include seats that rotate 25 degrees to create a lounge-like atmosphere.

The government has promoted “new energy vehicles” for 15 years with subsidies to developers and buyers. That, along with support including orders to State-owned utilities to blanket China with charging stations, is helping to transform the technology into a mainstream product.

“People’s mindset and governmental policies are more encouraging toward e-cars than in any other country,” said VW CEO Herbert Diess.

Electric car subsidies end next year, replaced by sales quotas. Automakers that fall short can buy credits from competitors that exceed their targets or face possible fines.

“Most of the traditional car makers are under huge pressure to launch NEVs,” said industry analyst John Zeng of LMC Automotive.

Last year’s Chinese sales of pure-electric and hybrid sedans and SUVs soared 60 percent over 2017 to 1.3 million, or half the global total. At the same time, industry revenue was squeezed by a 4.1 percent fall in total Chinese auto sales to 23.7 million vehicles.

That skid worsened this year. First-quarter sales fell 13.7 percent from a year ago.

Still, China is a top market for global automakers. Total annual sales are expected eventually to reach 30 million, nearly double last year’s U.S. level of 17 million.

Under the new rules, automakers must earn credits for sales of electrics equal to at least 10 percent of purchases this year and 12 percent in 2020. Longer-range vehicles can earn double credits. That means some brands can fill their quota if electrics make up as little as 5 percent of sales.

At the auto show, Nissan Motor Co. and its Chinese partner displayed the Sylphy Zero Emission, an all-electric model designed for China. Based on Nissan’s Leaf, the lower-priced Sylphy went on sale in August.

Mercedes Benz displayed its first all-electric model in China, the EQC 400 SUV. The Germany automaker said it can travel 400 kilometers on one charge and can go from zero to 100 kph in 5.2 seconds.

Mercedes plans to release 10 electrified models worldwide, with most built in China, according to Hubertus Troska, its board member for China.

Some Chinese rivals have been selling low-priced electrics for a decade or more.

BYD Auto, the biggest global electric brand by sales volume, unveiled three new pure-electric models last month. All promise ranges of more than 400 kilometers on one charge.

Last week, Geely Auto unveiled a sedan under its new electric brand, Geometry, with an advertised range of up to 500 kilometers on one charge.

Geely’s parent, Geely Holding, launched a joint venture with Mercedes parent Daimler AG in March to develop electrics under the smart brand. (SD-Agencies)