Great Wall Motor, a leading pickup truck maker in China, will debut at the 30th Motor Show Bologna in Italy, making it the first Chinese auto company to participate in this international motor show.

During the eight-day exhibition, six Great Wall Company model autos will be displayed, including the state-of-art Hover CUV and the double cabin pickup DEER. Its exhibition floor covers more than 340 square meters.

"We hope to use the opportunity to showcase the image of Chinese carmakers and to promote our brand's international profile," an official with the company's international marketing department said.

He noted that it is also a chance for the company to accumulate experience participating in international auto shows.

Insiders said it may be a prelude to the company's market expansion in Europe.

With an annual production of 100,000 units pickups, Great Wall Motor is the largest pickup truck manufacturer in China. In the first 10 months of 2005, it has exported more than 13,200 units pickups to the Middle East, West Asia, North Africa and South America.

The Motor Show Bologna is scheduled to run from December 3 to 11, with wide participation of such big names as Ford, Ferrari, Chrysler and Toyota.

(Xinhua News Agency December 7, 2005)