The history and creativity driving Italian auto design comes to life in Shanghai this month in an exciting new exhibition, the first of its kind to be held outside Italy.

Italy has been a creative hub throughout history. It has poured out hundreds of revolutionary inventions and concepts over the years and its world-famous auto designs are no exception.

They reflect every aspect of the country's screaming style, sophistication and, every now and again, a touch of genius.

This exhibition, entitled "Shape Mission", will focus upon the Italian region of Piedmont and particularly on its capital, Turin, which has now become one of the most renowned locations in the automotive world.

It aims to show the public how the Italian auto industry has grown over the last century into the worldwide phenomenon that it is today.

As well as showing the history of the industry, the Shanghai exhibition will also point out recent links between the Italian "Automobile Body Makers" and Chinese manufacturing companies, which have already resulted in some prestigious productions.

"Shape Mission" amalgamates together every aspect of the creative process and shows how car designs evolve alongside developments in technology and engineering. The numerous displays illustrate the design process through annotated technical drawings and research, audiovisual presentations, case histories and both scale and life-sized 3-D models.

The four models on display will be from Pininfarina, Bertone, Italdesign-Giugiaro and I.DE.A, some of the most famous brandnames in the automotive world. Anyone with even the slightest passion for cars should take a look at this exhibition, even if its only to get the chance to view the stunning 2000 Ferrari Rossa up close.

April 18-May 11

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall

100 Renmin Dadao

Tel: 6318-4477

(Shanghai Star April 18, 2003)