File photo of an auto show in Shanghai, 2013. (Photo/Morning Post)
(ECNS) -- Auto show models, usually scantily clad, will not be allowed to come on the stage at a popular Shanghai exhibition set to open at the end of April.
The 16th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition will open to the public at a new venue, the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), on April 22 and run until April 29.
Asked about a ban on "hot girls" at an auto show press conference on Wednesday, Gu Chunting, the president of the Shanghai International Exhibition Co, the auto show co-organizer, said most of the car companies support the move.
He said the ban is aimed at focusing public attention on elements of the auto show itself, such as technologies and products, as well as the motor industry's development and innovation, rather than on eye-catching staff.
But local media have quoted industry insiders as saying visitors would still have the opportunity to see beautiful woman at the show as car companies can hire models to act as sales consultants, ceremony hosts or exhibition guides.
Gu added that regular performances by entertainment stars may still be allowed. "It depends...let's wait and see."
The ever-expanding number of visitors to the Shanghai auto show is expected to put huge pressure on the city's traffic system, but plans are in place to help mitigate any woes. This year's show will delay its opening time to 10am and closing time to 6pm in an attempt to avoid rush hour, with visitors encouraged to take public transportation. Temporary limits on visitor numbers will also be imposed if the venue becomes overcrowded.
Citing security concerns, organizers said children will not be allowed to visit the show.
