Shanghai Auto Expo drives sales amid global slump

The global auto market has been hit hard by the financial crisis, but an auto show in Shanghai might help to change all that.

More than 1,500 foreign and domestic auto manufacturers are gathering at the 2009 Auto Expo.

The biennial event opened Monday and runs until April 28th.

During the 7days, 13 new car models will be making their world debuts.

Inside the 170,000-square-meter showroom, a heated battle between the automakers has already started.

According to latest industry data, first-quarter vehicle sales in China amounted to 2.68 million units, enabling the country to overtake the US as the world's biggest auto market.

Founded in 1985, Auto Shanghai is the earliest professional auto show in China, and now has grown into one of the most influential international exhibitions.