CHANGCHUN, July 15 -- The 20th Changchun International Auto Expo kicked off on Saturday in Changchun, capital of northeast China's Jilin Province.

Saturday marks the 70th anniversary of China's leading automaker FAW Group Co., Ltd. The construction of the First Automotive Works, China's first automotive manufacturing plant and predecessor of FAW Group, was launched in Changchun on July 15, 1953, marking the beginning of the nation's auto industry.

The 10-day event attracted 151 brands from 125 automakers across the globe, with more than 1,300 vehicles displayed. The exhibition includes nine pavilions, including the FAW theme hall, the independent brand hall, and the new-energy hall.

The show is co-hosted by the Changchun municipal government, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, the China Automobile Dealers Association, and the automotive sub-council under the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

During the auto expo, the municipal government issued a series of preferential policies for car purchases, while exhibitors also launched various promotional activities to stimulate vehicle consumption.