The 2024 (18th) Beijing International Automobile Exhibition returned on Thursday with people at awe of how dramatically China's automotive industry has changed since the last event.

Established in 1990, the auto exhibition was held in Beijing every two years. It was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID, and resumed this year at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing with the theme of "Driving to smart mobility."

Sales of new-energy vehicles soared from 1.367 million to 9.495 million in the past four years, with domestic brands such as NEV sales champion BYD moving its stand from a corner to the center of the exhibition.

The exhibition has nearly 20 energy brands exhibiting for the first time, including HIMA, Xiaomi, AVATR and IM.

This year's total exhibition area is 220,000 square meters, and there are 117 global premieres, with 30 global premieres from multinational companies, 41 concept cars, and 278 new-energy models, compared with 160 NEVs four years ago, according to official data.

Independent brands such as Hong Qi, Dongfeng Motor, SAIC and Geely Automobile, are displaying the latest research and development technologies and products.

Behind the strong showing of independent brands is their rapid increase in market share. In the first quarter, Chinese passenger cars sold 3.392 million units, up 26.4 percent year on year, with a market share of 59.6 percent, according to official data.