International automakers are gathering in China for its Shanghai auto show. Under the financial crisis and the declining market in the auto industry, China has become the only growing car market in the world.

The biennial Shanghai Auto Show, which opens Monday to media and on Wednesday to the public, is expected to feature an unprecedented number of new vehicle launches, reflecting the growing importance of this market for automakers everywhere.

It follows on the heels of Sunday’s Formula One Grand Prix — another Shanghai event symbolizing the city’s obsession with cars.

For the coming several days, public would receive joyful new from the Jacob Javits Convention Center, the place that will hold the 109th annual New York International Auto Show instead of Wall Street.

Instead of horror stories about tumbling stock prices and poor sales figures, there is genuine automotive news about exciting new vehicles and forward-thinking concept cars.

It might surprise you to learn that even in a downturned economy the NY Auto Show will play host to dozens of new model unveilings, many of which we have already brought you news on - plus a select few that are being kept under wraps until the covers come off on the show room floor.

In the first category, some of the most highly-anticipated include the 518hp Mercedes-Benz E63 and 555hp BMW X5 M and X6 M, as well as the GMC Terrain, Yukon Denali Hybrid and the 2010 Subaru Legacy.

In the later category are the Nissan 370Z Roadster and 370Z NISMO edition, as well as a sporty four-door luxury coupe from Acura, dubbed the ZDX.

And don't forget the concept cars, like the Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype, Hyundai Nuvis and the Scion concept based on the Toyota iQ micro-car.

You will broaden your eyes from the auto show floor with all the details and photos of every unveiling starting April 8th.

Say "Duster" to most auto enthusiasts and you're likely to conjure up images of 1970's Plymouth Valiant-based muscle cars, or perhaps the P-bodied Chrysler buzzbins of the Eighties. What doesn't usually come to mind is the very first concept car from the Romanian low-cost transportation experts at Dacia.

Initially shown at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, word from Autocar now suggests that a production version of the showcar is on the way. According to the UK publication, the Duster will hit the ground running at next year's Geneva show, and it will launch with a choice of four-cylinder gas and diesel engines, as well as available all-wheel drive.

Interestingly, Autocar suggests that the production crossover will likely retain the concept's trick reconfigurable seats, including a passenger seat that can slide under the driver's seat for extra room. Check out the jump a video that shows the Dacia's trick disappearing seat, as well as the high-res gallery below.