Italy's auto industry is hoping to establish a larger presence in China through promoting its experience in auto design and auto part production. To do so, it yesterday started a 20-day exhibition of its cars and auto parts in Shanghai to increase awareness.

Carlo Sinceri, president of the Italian Auto-vehicles Manufacturers Association, said it would expand the presence of its auto firms in two ways.
"One is to introduce more companies to China. We hope to raise the number from the existing 28 firms investing or finding business here to 40 in about three to four years," he said.

More medium- and small-sized players, most of which boast extensive auto design experience, will be encouraged to invest here, he noted.

"The other way is to expand the size of existing Italian auto companies, for instance, boosting their production capacity. This will be done within two years," Sinceri said.

Companies already tapping the Chinese market include Fiat, Italy's largest private automaker which now partners with Nanjing Automotive Group, and auto design firms such as Bertone and Pininfarina which help Chinese firms develop their own models.

The show runs through October 7 at the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum in Pudong.