英语口语话题：车展没有车模你还去看吗？

兔斯基

The 2015 Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition is going to take place later this month at the National Convention Centre, but this time, without the scantily clad models. 2015上海车展将于本月在国家会展中心如期举行，但这次却少了衣着清凉的车模。

In recent years, cars are never the only thing on display for visitors travelling a long distance to the exhibition. Showgirls posing next to the cars have attracted their own draw, as well. 近年来，车展上吸引人们眼球的可不仅仅是各式各样的车，还有车旁边的车模们。

However, Shanghai is determined to change the scene. The organisers of the city's auto show have officially announced a ban on showgirls this year, and are forbidding children from entering the exhibition out of "safety concerns."  但上海车展打算改变这一现象。今年上海车展主办方已官方发布声明取消车模，同时出于安全原因，谢绝儿童观展。

No showgirls? Really?

Despite the ban, people are questioning the wisdom behind this move.

Industrial insiders say some companies would work hard on selecting receptionists, and showgirls would be transformed into senior sales consultants or tour advisors.

In a response to the questions, Gu Chuting, head of the organizing committee, said they have to wait and see how things go during the exhibition.

Gu said most of the automobile companies are acknowledging the new rules of banning showgirls, which is meant to encourage people to focus more on the automobiles.  

The new rule has also incited discontent from the models. An Ran, a 20-year-old model for two years, feels she doesn't deserve to be punished for the misbehavior of a few people, which disrupted the industry and ruined car show models' reputations.

As for the audiences, some of them argue that car shows without female and male models won't appeal to Chinese consumers.  

Setting examples for other car shows?

Car shows in China have become notorious for models in over-revealing outfits. Sometimes, these auto shows have been referred to as "flesh shows."

Organizers of this year's Shanghai auto show say banning the presence of models is meant to "restore the essence of the exhibition and provide a more civilized atmosphere."

Chinese media have also been critical against the use of models at car shows, saying that companies should try to attract consumers by improving product qualities.

Market industry resources say Shanghai may set an example for all future car shows and, potentially, for all trade fairs in China.