Rise of the south's biggest show

According to the organizers, more than 60 brands will premiere new models at the press day of the show. Thirty models are making their world debut, 10 of them from foreign carmakers.

The auto show's total floor space has quadrupled from 10 years ago to 200,000 square meters.

Although it is still not as big as the exhibitions in Beijing and Shanghai, the Guangzhou auto show has earned its own reputation as one of the industry's top events in China and the most important in the south.

Its annual presence also distinguishes it from Beijing and Shanghai, which trade off as host city every other year.

Growth in the Guangzhou Auto Show is yet another reflection of China's unprecedented rise as the hottest car market in the world.

With increasing individual wealth and surging consumer demand, China became the world's largest car market in 2009, a position it is likely to retain for the fifth consecutive year as vehicle sales reach a projected 20 million units.

Many industry insiders say no carmaker can now afford to neglect such a huge market if they want to remain competitive in the global industry.

This year almost every brand is present at the Guangzhou Auto Show as they increase their stake in the affluent southern market.

Because of its timing close to the end of the year, the event also serves as a good opportunity for carmakers to wrap up the year with momentum and warm up for the ever-increasing competition next year.

Volkswagen Group, the biggest foreign carmaker in China by sales in the first three quarters, is bringing 34 cars under its namesake brand to the exhibition.

General Motors, another leading carmaker in the country, is displaying 38 models.

As always, Japanese brands Toyota, Honda and Nissan all have high profile displays in Guangzhou, which has long been their home base in China and location of their joint venture facilities.

Almost all domestic brands are participating in the event as well to showcase their latest models and progress in technology and engineering.

Responding to a gradually maturing car market, organizers of the auto show this year set aside individual exhibition areas for auto parts, accessories and dealer services.