Research and Other Investigations from China

Beijing Auto Fair: Commodity Hypersexualization

April 28, 2010

Attendees crowd around a model to take photos at the 2010 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition

Cars are quickly becoming the most hypersexualized and sought after commodity in China. Purchases already surged 45% last year, surpassing the US with 13.6 million vehicles sold, and show no sign of stopping. The greatest manifestation of this phenomenon is now the Beijing International Automotive Fair held every year on the outskirts of the city. With scantily clad models striking poses in every booth, over 40 luxury cars were sold in the first few days alone including a Bugatti Veyron sporting a 5.5 million USD price tag. Every car manufacture in the world comes to pay homage to the fastest growing car market on the planet.

Attendees pack the floor at the Mercedes booth at the 2010 Beijing International Automotive ExhibitionA model poses with a Hummer knockoff at the 2010 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition

A 2010 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition attendee photographs himself in a MercedesMany car manufactures display their engines at the 2010 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition