BEIJING, April 21 -- New energy vehicles stole the limelight at the Beijing auto show on Sunday, as many cities in the world's largest auto market try to combat air pollution and traffic congestion.

Seventy-nine new-energy vehicles are on exhibition at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, according to the secretariat of the event.

The new-energy vehicles are from both foreign and domestic car manufacturers, including a hybrid SUV from China's automaker BYD, a hybrid car from Sweden's Volvo as well as four battery-powered and hybrid vehicles from China's First Automotive Works (FAW) Group.

The show which is open to the public from Monday features more than 1,130 vehicles, with 118 debuting. A one-day media preview was on Sunday.

With smoggy weather lingering in some Chinese cities and rising fuel costs, BYD will roll out more high-efficient and user-friendly new-energy vehicles in the coming years, said Wang Chuanfu, BYD chairman and founder.

Xu Jianyi, chairman of FAW Group, said his company aims at manufacturing environment-friendly, safe and smart new-energy vehicles and occupying more than 15 percent of China's new-energy vehicle market share by 2020.

China has been the world's largest auto market and producer for five consecutive years, with sales and production both exceeding 20 million units for the first time in 2013.

The Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, which is held every two years, has grown into one of the industry's most important events and attracts major players in the industry.

The exhibition is open until April 29.