SOFIA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The 25th edition of the international Sofia Motor Show, the largest car exhibition in Bulgaria, kicked off here on Friday.

       As many as 189 vehicles from 32 car brands will be on show during the ten-day event, which is included in the calendar of the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA).

       Great Wall Motors, China's sport utility vehicle (SUV) and pickup manufacturer, participates with its brands Haval, Great Wall and ORA.

       According to the organizers, 33 pure electric models and 70 hybrids are on display along with 86 conventional models with internal combustion engines.

       Until now, cars with alternative propulsion have never outnumbered those with conventional engines at the exhibition, the organizers said.

       The event will also offer 14 world premieres, Hrabrin Ivanchev, chairman of the Association of Car Manufacturers and their Authorized Representatives for Bulgaria, told at the opening ceremony, adding that visitors will see the future at its best -- environmentally friendly, safe and connected.