Mad About Shanghai

China Car Facts

2013-06-15T11:51:38+08:00

The most expensive car made in China is the HongQi L9 at 5 million RMB

The cheapest car made in China is Zoyte Z100 at 24,000 RMB

15 million new cars are sold last year in China

Only 20% of car buyers in China take some form of loan. The rest pay in cold hard cash.

Two Fantastic Dining Events This Week

2013-06-09T00:42:29+08:00

Chef Colagreco recently earned the 28^th spot in San Pellegrino’s list of the 50 best restaurants worldwide, for his restaurant Mirazur, in Menton, France.From June 13-15th, Chef Colagreco himself will be in town in Shanghai, and there will be two special dining events held at Unico/Colagreco.

Recently Unico won the "Best bar of the year" and "Best cocktail bar of the year" awards from City Weekend Reader's Choice Awards 2013, and Colagreco won "Best Mediterranean." Colagreco also won "Best Restaurant 2013" from Esquire Awards.

Indulge your taste buds this week!

Seal of Authenticity for Canned Foods in China

2013-06-01T21:43:32+08:00

I was quite surprised, maybe I should not be, that there are seal of authenticity for some China canned food .

Is it because imtation canned food are found ? The authenticity sticker seems like a nornal sticker which can be easily fabricated too.

Incidentally, the Ma Ling brand of luncheon meat (SPAM for American speak) is my favourite.

Shanghai Tidbits

2013-05-25T19:51:33+08:00

Absolutely my favourite drink.

China Fact of the Day - English Speakers

2013-05-18T22:12:08+08:00

Not an ad for HSBC but an interesting stat to share:

Maximum Exposure Ad in Shanghai

2013-05-11T13:39:25+08:00

This is not an ad for Estee Lauder but wow..they must have a very impressive budget for their campaign.

Did anyone notice the lines of repetitive and repetitive and repetitive ads (the same one) across easily 50% of the advertising hoardings in most metro stations? If you are flying in and out of Shanghai, you would not miss it too at the airports.

World premiere at "Auto China 2013": The new E-Class as a long-wheelbase version

2013-05-03T12:08:14+08:00

"Auto China 2013" in Shanghai sets the stage for the world premiere of the long version of the new E-Class. Developed for the growth market in China, it offers 14 centimetres more legroom in the rear. It also sports a finely honed design exuding an overall character of poised refinement and boasts markedly enhanced comfort and a high standard of equipment and appointments. Three petrol engines covering an output range from 150 to 245 kW with automatic transmission as standard provide for dynamic performance coupled with exemplary driving comfort. With these assets, the long version of the new E-Class sets a new standard for the luxury segment.

The long version of the new E-Class radiates status and effortless superiority, meeting the Chinese market's expectations of luxury vehicles more effectively than the comfortable E-Class with standard wheelbase. Measuring 5019 millimetres in length and with a wheelbase of 3014 millimetres, the long version, which is to be built exclusively in China, is 140 millimetres longer overall than the E-Class saloon which is being marketed worldwide. This results in 14 centimetres more legroom in the rear of the five-seater. An exclusively appointed interior conjures up a prestigious and congenial atmosphere. For special convenience, the front passenger seat can also be electrically adjusted from the rear.

Design: two new front-end designs to choose from

In keeping with the entire E-Class family, intelligent modifications to the design provide the long version with a new front end as well as new proportions. When it came to the modifications, the designers followed the new Mercedes design idiom and reinterpreted the classical design values of the brand using the existing basis. The result is a superior and refined, dynamic appearance.

The headlamps have been redesigned and comprise all functional elements with a single headlamp lens. Flowing light elements within the headlamps help to ensure that the essential lines of the "four-eyed" look which is typical of the E-Class are retained. When it comes to light and visibility, the new E-Class sets standards: both the low-beam headlamps and the integrated daytime running lamps feature LED technology as standard.

For the first time, the long-wheelbase E-Class is available with two different front ends: the Sedan features the classic, three-dimensional saloon radiator grille in three-louvre look with the Mercedes star on the bonnet. The Sport Sedan comes with the sporty front end featuring a centrally positioned star to create a distinctive, emphatically dynamic look.

A new feature line and a repositioned three-dimensional trim strip give the long version of the Saloon new proportions with an exciting appearance. A new structural line runs below the feature line from the rear door through to the tail light. This lends the vehicle a longer look. It underscores the side trim, which has been shifted downwards. Overall the E-Class looks more elongated and elegant.

At the rear, the lights and bumper have been revised. The new horizontally structured LED tail lights with new two-tone look emphasise the width and feature a characteristic night design.

Auto Shanghai 2013 : Mercedes Benz

2013-04-26T14:24:13+08:00

Mercedes Benz unveiled some pretty interesting models at the Shanghai Auto show recently. Once again, I bring you some exclusive photos.

Mercedes Benz GLA Concept:

Mercedes Benz E Class Long Week Base:

Smart :

Photos courtesy of Mercedes Benz

Lighting for Food

2013-04-20T13:37:25+08:00

I went to this unkown restauranr near Momoko's workplace together with Regine.

The food was just so so but I discovered an interesting concept deployed by the restuarant.

The restuarant actually has spotlights fitted above the dining tables. Just like how photographers use lighting to to make the subject look better, this resturant uses the spotlights to make the food look much more delectable though it might not be.

Exclusive : Shanghai Grand Prix F1 2013

2013-04-14T23:23:19+08:00

I bring you some exclsuive photos of the China Grand Prix :

Photos courtesy of Mercedes Benz