A major motor show has kicked off in southern China, despite a nationwide surge in coronavirus cases.

The Guangzhou motor show opened on Friday after more than one month's postponement due to anti-infection measures.

More than 70 domestic and international brands are participating.

A joint venture established in 2021 by Chinese IT firm Baidu and a local automaker unveiled an electric vehicle it plans to put on the market next year.

Officials say the car is equipped with artificial intelligence so that multiple occupants can adjust the windows and air conditioning through voice commands. It also boasts advanced self-drive technology.

Toyota Motor unveiled an electric sedan it co-developed with China's leading EV maker BYD. Toyota says the vehicle can run more than 600 kilometers on a single charge and the battery has extended durability.

The event opened suddenly after Chinese authorities effectively dropped their "zero-COVID" containment policy. The rushed opening appears to have caught potential exhibitors unprepared, as the number of vehicles on display is down more than 30 percent from last year.

However, observers say the decision to go ahead with the show reflects the government's resolve to revive economic activity.