China car firms flood market with celebrity endorsers as milky clouds signal strong storms

In recent weeks, atmospheric observers in Beijing, Henan and Hebei reported the appearance of unusual “milky clouds” that resemble large bubbles. Meteorologists explained that these formations develop when strong convective activity creates heavy water droplets or ice crystals that fall into drier air, causing the droplets to evaporate and the cloud to appear suspended. While the clouds indicate intense turbulence, experts warned that they do not reliably predict short‑term heavy rain or severe thunderstorms and urged the public to stay alert to official weather warnings.

At the same time, Chinese automobile manufacturers have accelerated the use of high‑profile celebrity endorsers to combat a sharp drop in vehicle sales. Brands such as Avita, GAC‑Toyota and Lantu have signed top actors and singers—including Zhang Linghe, Wang Xinling and Yang Yang—to promote new models. Industry analysts link the shift to dwindling sales volumes, with passenger‑car retail down over 20% year‑on‑year, and argue that celebrity backing is seen as a fast way to capture consumer attention in an increasingly crowded market.