Star models included BMW's plug-in hybrid i8. Sporting a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and an e-motor, it has a maximum output of 170 kW and uses just 2.1 liters of fuel per 100 km. It can still sprint from zero to 100 km/hour in 4.4 seconds.

Volvo has brought its plug-in hybrid S60L to Guangzhou. The model can cover up to 50 km on pure electric power and can be charged on household sockets. In hybrid mode, it uses 2 liters of fuel per 100 km. The model is expected to hit the market in 2015.

Volkswagen is presenting its electric-up! powered by a 60 kW e-motor with 210 Nm in torque. Fully charged, it can run up to 157 km and has a top speed of 130 km/h.

Chinese automakers has also brought their new-energy products. Shenzhen-based BYD is showcasing a hybrid MPV. The seven-seat BYD Shang can cover 60 km as a pure electric and uses 2.24 liters of fuel per 100 km in hybrid mode.

In addition to vehicles, some visitors to auto shows are keenly interested in female models and performers, but girls working at the Guangzhou show are wearing more clothes than at similar events in the past.

Organizers such as the China Machine Industry Association urged exhibitors not to include "sensational, uncivilized and vulgar acts" in their promotional events, and the call has been heeded. Most car models at the show are dressed more discreetly, some in traditional Chinese garb.

Performances were also more refined, including an Irish riverdance at the Skoda booth.

The advice from organizers was also intended to prevent a repetition of the mess at the Beijing auto show earlier this year when visitors rushing to get a glimpse of celebrities caused chaos that resulted in temporary closure of several halls and consequent postponement of press conferences.

A Beijing-based auto reporter said changes at the Guangzhou auto show are a positive sign. He said automakers should be focused on vehicles themselves now that China has been the world's largest market for years.

"I like the Geneva auto show because that is a show of technological progress. I hope someday auto shows in China can be like that," he said.