The 2015 Shanghai Auto Show stopped using car models as it made the event lose a bit of its initial focus on auto trade and technology. GAO ERQIANG / CHINA DAILY

Sexy models in skin tight outfits have always been a common sight during auto shows in China. However, this ceased to be the case in April at the Shanghai International Automobile Industrial Exhibition when organizers of the event decided to focus on the one thing that should really matter at the exhibition — the cars.

Organizers said they had hoped that exhibitors would spend more effort on showcasing product quality and technology and allow the audience to enjoy the event in a more “arty and classy” manner.

First established in 1985, the Shanghai Auto Show is China’s oldest international automobile exhibition. But as of 1993, when models were first introduced to the exhibition, the event looked to have lost a bit of its initial focus. In the beginning, only a few foreign automotive brands hired models to market their cars but it wasn’t long before other automakers followed in these footsteps.

Yang Xueliang, head of the public relations department of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, one of China’s major automobile manufacturers, applauded the decision to do away with the women models at the auto show.

The 2015 auto fair showcased a diversified range of new vehicles including electric-powered ones that boast better mobility and fuel efficiency, as well as lower emissions. A total of 1,343 new cars were on show at the event, which drew 928,000 visitors.