(Yicai) Feb. 28 -- Chinese automakers such as BYD and SAIC Motor are major exhibitors at the first Geneva International Motor Show in four years. They have brought a slew of new electric models, while the ranks of well-known producers from other countries have thinned.

Chinese marques as well as Renault, Dacia, Isuzu Motors, and US electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Motors are the only mainstream foreign carmakers at one of the world’s biggest auto shows. Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Toyota, Ford, and Tesla are among the big names not taking part.

MG and IM, two brands of Shanghai-based SAIC, are showcasing 10 electric and smart models, including the MG3, the HEV, and the IM L6. IM's L7 and LS7 models will enter Mexico, the Middle East, South America, and Southeast Asia this year while the LS6 and L6 will go worldwide in 2025.

BYD has eight of its new energy vehicle models on display. One of them is the Seal UDM-i, a sport utility vehicle, which just made its European debut and will begin sales next quarter. The Shenzhen-based company also used the occasion to launch its first supercar, the Yangwang, in Europe.

The surge in demand for electric vehicles in Europe has brought a huge market opportunity to Chinese carmakers. Last year, they had a nearly 15 percent share of the European market where NEV sales surged 37 percent to over 1.5 million from. In hybrids, Chinese firms made up more than a quarter of the market in which over 2.7 million were sold. 

China’s NEV exports have a lot of room to grow, according to Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association. Europe's relatively scarce NEV resources and some favorable policies have created opportunities for Chinese brands, he added. 

The Geneva International Motor Show ends on March 3.

Editors: Zhang Yushuo, Emmi Laine