Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and new-energy vehicles (NEVs) will be the highlight of the 2016 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Beijing auto show).

Domestic and foreign auto brands are offering more SUVs to Chinese drivers. For instance, the new Haval H7 SUV of domestic carmaker Great Wall Motor, whose H6 SUV has topped the segment's sales for several years, hit the market during the auto show. International auto brands like Mercedes-Benz and Audi are showcasing their all-new SUVs.

NEVs are another highlight, with 147 models on display from domestic and foreign brands. The Trumpchi brand under domestic carmaker Guangzhou Automobile Group will debut its electric-powered GS4 SUV.

In connection with the show, Volkswagen said it will bring about 15 locally produced NEV models to the market in the next three to four years.

Sales of SUVs and NEVs are growing at rates of more than 50 percent and 100 percent year-on-year, respectively, in the first quarter, according to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

Internet companies are trying to steal the thunder of traditional carmakers at the show. Streaming video company Le Holdings (Beijing) Co, known as Letv, is showcasing its LeSEE electric concept car.

Also, Alibaba Group Holding and SAIC Motor are unveiling the Roewe RX5 SUV, which is equipped with the YunOS operating system developed by Alibaba.

The Beijing auto show kicked off on Monday and will run until May 4.

The biennial event will have the participation of more than 1,600 companies from 14 countries and regions, according to information posted on the show's website.

This year, 1,179 models are on display, compared with 1,134 in 2014. Also this year, 112 vehicles will make their global debuts, with 33 from foreign brands.