GUANGZHOU, China — The 2008 Guangzhou Auto Show opens to the public today amid a tough time for China's auto industry, but the debut of several important new models shows carmakers are still confident that the Chinese domestic market will continue to drive ahead.Ford introduced its new Fiesta sedan, which is designed for a new generation of young Asian and especially Chinese drivers. The Fiesta sedan, following an earlier introduction of the hatchback version, will have a 1.4- or 1.6-liter engine. China sales will start in the first quarter of next year.'Despite the slowdown and the global financial crunch, China's auto market continues to grow,' said Wesley Liu, deputy general manager of Chang'an Ford Mazda Sales.Shanghai General Motors unveiled the Cadillac CTS-V luxury sedan, the Buick Enclave crossover utility vehicle and the Chevrolet Cruze sedan. The Cruze, which will also be locally produced in China in the first half of next year, is among models that were developed from GM's global Delta product platform.Sun Xiaodong, deputy general manager of Shanghai GM, said the launch of the three models signaled GM's optimism in the auto market.'Resources to be poured into the Chinese market will not be reduced even as GM is facing challenges in the global market,' he said, adding that another 10 to 20 models are planned for the local market in the next two years.Among the new products launched here, small cars boasting better fuel economy still shine as consumers are more savvy amid a drop in income and rising fuel prices.Skoda, the Czech brand affiliated with Volkswagen, showed its Fabia in China. The car, featuring a 1.4- or 1.6-liter engine, will be produced by Shanghai Volkswagen. It will hit the market by the end of this year.China's private carmaker, Geely Automobile, launched its Panda subcompact, which starts at $6,125. The 1.3-liter model delivers 48 mpg.Inside Line says: The Fiesta and the Cruze will go on sale in China well ahead of their scheduled U.S. debuts. — Vivian Jin, Correspondent