The massive appeal of the event is made abundantly clear in this file photo, with hordes of enthusiasts thronging the 18th China Changchun International Auto Expo last year. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

Expectations are running high, with the 19th China Changchun International Auto Expo set to open at the Changchun International Convention and Exhibition Center in Changchun, capital of Northeast China's Jilin province, on July 15.

Enthusiasts are expected, as usual, to throng to the annual event, which will run to July 24, according to a report in the Jilin Daily.

Launched in 1999, the expo has now been held 18 times and has developed into one of China's five premier auto shows. It is regarded as an important springboard for international auto companies to launch new models and technologies, showcase their brands and sell vehicles.

The show provides a premium platform for technical exchanges and commercial and trade negotiations for both domestic and foreign commercial vehicles, special-purpose vehicles and component manufacturers.

Some 155 brands and 128 domestic mainstream manufacturers and leading international car companies have confirmed they will participate.

This year's show boasts an exhibition area of 200,000 square meters and will have one main venue and several branch venues, with an online presence adding to the on-site action.

During the expo, 35 new cars and highlight models will be displayed and released and more than 10 new energy brands will be unveiled. These include BYD, Lixiang, ARCFOX, SAIC Audi, GAC Aion, as well as AITO, which is powered by Huawei.

As an important part of the automotive industry supply chain, there will be an independent exhibition area for automotive aftermarket planning.

In addition to setting up exclusive sales areas outdoors, the auto expo will also launch various discount and incentive offers for car buyers in cooperation with all participating brands.