While strengthening technology innovation and brand building China will continue to expand auto exports, said Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan on Sunday in Beijing.

Chinese auto companies should bring in advanced technology and management expertise, enhance their research capabilities and build up their own brands, said Zeng when visiting the 2006 Beijing automotive exhibition.

China has grown into the world's third largest auto producer and second largest auto market. Opening at the weekend the exhibition has seen an unprecedented number of  "home-grown" brands with approximately one third of the 572 vehicles on show being Chinese, say the organizers.

Chinese brands currently account for about one quarter of the country's auto sales. While consolidating their shares in low-end products Chinese companies are moving into more lucrative markets currently dominated by foreign carmakers.

Zeng said China should also develop more energy-saving, environmentally-friendly cars and new kinds of vehicle fuels to alleviate energy shortages.

The ongoing exhibition provided a platform to enhance exchanges and cooperation in the world auto industry, he said.

According to the organizers the auto fair has attracted 1,500 companies from twenty countries and regions across the world. It's expected to draw 500,000 visitors.

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2006)