Officials announce the opening of the Changchun International Automobile Culture Festival and the Second Hongqi Carnival on July 10. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The Changchun International Automobile Culture Festival and the Second Hongqi Carnival kicked off on July 10 in Changchun -- capital of Northeast China's Jilin province -- and will run to July 19, according local officials.

Representatives from the Jilin provincial government, the Changchun municipal government and Changchun-based automaker FAW Group attended the opening ceremony.

Organizers said the carnival features 15 activities, including a parade of Hongqi vehicles, a Hongqi vehicle marathon and livestreaming activities -- showcasing culture and development of FAW's Hongqi brand of cars.

They said the carnival is Hongqi's initiative to promote the industrial upgrading of China's auto sector and support the growth of the local economy and innovation.

Jia Lina, vice mayor of Changchun city, addresses the opening ceremony on July 10. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Jia Lina, vice mayor of Changchun city, said at the opening ceremony that the FAW Group had set a new record for automobile production and sales in the first half of this year.

She said sales of its brand Hongqi achieved a year-on-year increase of 111 percent, raising confidence of the city's revitalization in the auto sector.

Changchun will lend its support for the group to build the international auto city, the vice mayor added.