Clash of Western vs Chinese models at Paris Motor Show

Opening its doors for the 90th time, the Paris Motor Show “Mondial de L’Auto” will showcase the competition between European car manufacturers and their Chinese counterparts.

In the century-long history of the automotive world, the most intense rivalries have typically played out at auto shows. However, the pandemic disrupted this tradition, as the 2020 Paris Motor Show was cancelled.

High exhibition costs and brands’ approaches to event management have also disrupted the established balance in the industry.

Many brands today prefer technology exhibitions instead of auto shows. Nevertheless, the “Mondial de L’Auto” Paris Motor Show may have regained its former glory.

The Paris Motor Show will open its doors on Oct. 14 with a press day and will continue until Oct. 20.

The biennial event is to have more automakers present than in 2022. Giant brands such as Volkswagen Group, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Opel, Citroen, BMW, Honda, Volvo, Fiat, Nissan did not partake in Paris 2022.

Tesla returned after 8 years

As incentives for electric vehicles (EVs) decrease across Europe in 2024, customer demand has begun to wane. EV brands aim to make a strong impression at the show.

Europeans view the additional tax on Chinese brands as an opportunity to showcase their latest electric models in Paris.

Renault Group will participate with its Alpine, Dacia and Renault brands, while Stellantis Group will showcase models from Alfa Romeo, Citroen, and Peugeot. Other notable brands participating in the show include Audi, Skoda, Volkswagen, Ford, Kia and MINI.

Tesla also makes its return to the Paris Motor Show after an eight-year absence.

Very ambitious Chinese turnout

China’s automakers, increasingly prevalent in Europe, are poised to make a significant impact once again.

BYD, Leapmotor, Hongqi, Dongfeng, GAC, Maxus, Skyworth and Xpeng are set to unveil their new models in Paris.

Chinese cars will primarily compete against European brands, but there is an unexpected appearance from America’s GM this year.

Notably absent from the event are brands such as Toyota, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Opel, Fiat, Porsche, Volvo, Jeep, Honda and Nissan, leaving a substantial clash between European and Chinese automakers in Paris.

Innovations to watch for

• Italian manufacturers will introduce the Ibrida version of the Alfa Romeo Junior model.
• Alpine’s electric concept coupe SUV A390.
• Audi’s Q6 e-Tron Sportback, the new Q5 and the new A5 and A6 e-Tron models that replaced the A4 will meet visitors at the fair.
• BMW’s two concepts, the Vision Neue Klasse X SUV and the Vision Neue Klasse sedan.
• BYD’s fully electric Sealion model will rival Tesla Model Y, BYD’s SUV brand Yangwang U8; Cadillac’s electric Lyriq will compete with Mercedes-Benz EQE and Audi Q8 e-Tron.

• Citroen’s new C3 Aircross model and a surprise concept.
• Dacia’s new SUV model Bigster will take the brand to a higher level.
• Ford’s electrified and revived Capri.
• Kia’s 600 km range EV3 model.
• The compact SUV B10 that Stellantis’s Chinese partner Leapmotor will produce after the T03 and C10.
• MINI’s electric Aceman.
• Peugeot’s new electric 408.
• Renault’s new electric model Renault 4, concept Embleme, the new generation electric Twingo to be released in 2026, Estafette and R17 Concept.
• Skoda’s first electric C-SUV Elroq.
• Tesla’s extraordinary pickup Cybertruck.
• Volkswagen’s SUV Tayron, positioned between the Touareg and Tiguan, will be on display.