Auto China 2008 or the 10th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition will be held at the New China International Exhibition Centre in Beijing, China  from 20 April to 28 April.

The bi-annual auto event,  first started in 1990  is listed in the elite group of international A-class auto shows along with the Frankfurt, Geneva , Paris , Tokyo and Detroit auto shows. The annual Auto China show, which is the biggest auto expo in Asia alternates between Beijing and Shanghai.

China will become the second largest auto market in the world with auto sales in the country expected to cross 10 million vehicles in 2008,  which is 22 per cent higher than the previous year sales, according to a report released by the China Machinery Industry Federation (CMIF) in January this year. (Also see: China auto sales expected to cross 10 million units in 2008)

The huge growth of the Chinese auto market, prompted by its rising economy has drawn the attention of the global auto giants, who would like to set a strong foothold in China through Auto China 2008.

This year's line-up promises to be a show stopper all the way with the participation of leading auto makers such as as General Motors, Volkswagen AG, Daimler AG,and Toyota.

The New China  International Exhibition Centre will feature around 2,100 auto makers from 18 countries, showcasing their products. The Beijing show stands to become Asia's largest auto expo with a huge exhibition space of 106,000 square meters of indoor space across 8 halls and an additional 80,000 square meters of outdoor space.

According to reports,  890 models will be displayed in Auto China 2008, with 55 concept models, seven global debuts and 24 Asian debuts.

For passenger vehicles, nearly all the domestic and foreign brands are scheduled to participate in the event. The show has made a record in terms of the number and types of vehicles to be displayed with  Chinese, Asian and world premieres and concepts.

Auto China 2008 also gives an opportunity for local manufacturers including FAW, Dongfeng, SAIC, Chang'an, BAIC, GAIC and China Aviation Industry Corp. II and China North Industries Group Corp to display their models in the show.

For the first time, the show will also feature PV, CV, auto parts and after market products in a single exhibition.

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