The recreational vehicle exhibition area at the 17th China (Changchun) International Auto Expo. [Photo by Guo Liang/cnjiwang.com]

The 17th China (Changchun) International Auto Expo, which opened to great fanfare on July 10 in Changchun -- capital of Northeast China's Jilin province -- concluded on July 19, according to local reports.

Organizers said that the expo was a huge success, with a total of 51,852 vehicles were sold for 10.3 billion yuan ($1.47 billion).

A total of 293,000 visitors came to the venues -- 233,000 to the main site at the Changchun International Conference and Exhibition Center and others to the 17 branch venues. In addition, 575,000 visitors participated online, according to the organizers.

In total, 1,655 vehicles were exhibited online and offline, setting a record.

They came from 150 or so auto brands, including Chinese automakers FAW, BAIC Motor, SAIC Moto, and GAC Group -- joined by world-renowned brands including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari and Porsche.

Statistics showed that during the expo, the number of bus passengers in the city increased by 77.8 percent, the occupancy rate of hotels hit 87 percent from less than 30 percent previously and the turnover of leisure and entertainment industry increased by 150 percent on average -- greatly boosting the entire local economy.

Officials said that the expo is clearly boosting the development of the auto industry in Changchun and even in Jilin province.

Visitors view the Bestune T99 car at the Changchun auto expo, on July 19. [Photo by Luo Hao/cnjiwang.com]

Visitors gather round the Hongqi H9 model at the expo. [Photo by Luo Hao/cnjiwang.com]