Changfeng Motor Company, China’s largest maker of SUVs, in 2007 becomes the country's first automaker to exhibit throughout the entire auto show. (Compatriot firm Geely showed its car only on press days last year.) To mark this milestone, journalists were invited to what turned out to the auto show’s most unusual press event. Auto show Joint Chairman Robert Thibodeau and local dignitaries exchanged gifts with Changfeng Chairman Li Jianxin in the type ceremony more usually seen at diplomatic events. Chairman Li then made a speech explaining Changfeng’s 5-year plan: Expand production to 300,000 units, seek out foreign partners whose “advanced...