The 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition begins on Monday. More than 1,100 vehicles are being presented by automakers from around the globe. With 36 vehicles making a world debut and 35 Asian debuts, the event is quite eye-catching. Automakers are squaring off to expand their business in the world's largest car market.

Fancy premieres, cutting-edge designs, and top executives. This scene is not just reserved for places like Detroit or Geneva. The Beijing auto show is becoming one of the most important shows for automakers. The show is a direct way to crack the lucrative Chinese market, and to draw the attention of millions of Chinese consumers.

From low-end to luxury, from domestic brands to foreign makes, China is simply too attractive for automakers to ignore. The event gathers almost every major car brand in the world.

Green has gone the mainstream at the show. There are 88 alternative energy vehicles on display. Environmentally-friendly cars continue to be the highlight of the event.

(CNTV.cn April 24, 2012)