The 2010 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (also known as Auto China 2010), the largest auto show ever held in China, will kick off in Beijing Friday, with two media days, caing.com reported Thursday.

In all, 990 cars, including 89 world premieres, will be displayed during the show. Also featured will be 41 Asia debuts and 45 China debuts as well as 65 concept cars.

Nearly 2,100 companies from 16 countries and regions will take part in this event, using exhibition area of about 200,000 square meters.

The theme "For a Greener Tomorrow" was chosen for Auto China 2010 to advocate energy saving, emission reductions and technology innovation. Ninety-five new energy saving vehicles will debut at the show.

Last year, China replaced the United States as the world's largest auto market, and those strong sales have lasted into this year, with more than 4 billion units sold in the first quarter.

The show at the New China International Exhibition Center (Tianzhu) will open to the public April 25 and lasts until May 2. A complete range of domestic and imported passenger cars and commercial vehicles will be exhibited.

Auto accessories and parts will be displayed at the China International Exhibition Center (Jing'anzhuang) from April 23 to April 27.