Global auto markets have been hit hard by the financial crisis. But an auto show in Shanghai could help to change all that.

The 2009 Shanghai International Auto Show will kick off at the city's International Expo Center on April 22nd. The show will last seven days. About 1500 car makers from around the world are expected to attend, a record high in the history. Eleven global car manufacturing giants will bring their top level exhibits to the show.

The total area for the exhibition will cover 170,000 square meters, up 20 percent from last time.

Six domestic carmakers including FAW, Shanghai Volkswagon, Dongfeng and Chang'An will also attend the show to introduce their new models.