Along with a robust domestic car market, regional auto shows have grown in stature in recent years.

Wuhan is helping fuel the trend.

Last Friday the biggest-ever Wuhan Motor Show opened in the capital of Hubei province, a traditional auto manufacturing city and important consumer market in Central China.

First created in 1995, the show is in its 14th year and has established its name as the most influential and attractive auto event in the central region.

The six-day exhibition this year will close on Oct 23, by which time it is expected to have drawn 400,000 visitors and journalists from more than 1,200 media outlets.

The 130,000-square-meter show offers 11 exhibit halls and a vast outdoor space for both displays and test drives.

About 300 exhibitors from mainstream brands Volkswagen, General Motors, Ford, Dongfeng, FAW, Chery, Geely and BYD as well as offerings by luxury marques Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin are showcasing some 600 models.

Organizers said more carmakers are taking part in the event this year and releasing new models, unlike previous years when exhibitors in regional auto shows were usually local dealers.

Growing participation by manufacturers in recent regional auto shows signals their recognition of the potential of medium and small cities, analyst said.

Most in the industry now see that major sales growth will be generated in lower-tier cities where urbanization is accelerating and household incomes are rising.

Last year, Hubei's GDP increased 11.3 percent from 2011 to 2.2 trillion yuan, ranking ninth across the country.

In the same period, Wuhan's GDP exceeded 800 billion yuan and per capita disposable income of its urban residents increased by 14 percent to more than 27,000 yuan.

According to statistics provided by the show's organizers, every 1,000 Wuhan residents now have 60 cars, less than a half the global average of 128.

In some developed countries, the number of cars for every 1,000 people surpasses 500.

GM's local joint venture began construction on a new plant in Wuhan last year. China's Dongfeng Motor Corp, as well as its joint ventures with foreign partners Honda and PSA Peugeot Citroen, are also expanding their existing facilities in the city.

Total annual production capacity of automobiles in Wuhan is expected to reach 3 million units in three to five years, local officials said.

hantianyang@chinadaily.com.cn

The ongoing auto show in Wuhan, Hubei province, is expected to attract 400,000 visitors and journalists from 1,200 media outlets. Photos Provided to China Daily