The Paris Motor Show, which opens on October 12, will demonstrate how much Chinese automakers have strengthened their positions in Europe. Of the approximately 60 car brands participating in the exhibition, 20 represent China. In 2024, there were ten such participants.
Both brands already known to European buyers, such as BYD, Geely, Chery, Jaecoo, and Leapmotor, as well as less familiar brands like Aito, Li Auto, Aion, and 212, will come to Paris. For a number of Chinese companies, the exhibition will be a platform to expand their presence in the European market.
Chinese manufacturers will bring not only electric vehicles. Against the backdrop of additional EU tariffs on Chinese-assembled electric cars, they are actively developing plug-in hybrids. According to Reuters, in the second quarter of 2026, Chinese brands occupied more than 26% of the Western European PHEV market — compared to 2.2% two years earlier.
European companies are preparing their own response. Among the announced novelties are the Audi A2 e-tron, Škoda Peaq, and Dacia Striker. Citroën will also show a concept for a revived 2CV, aimed at a more affordable electric vehicle segment. BMW, despite updating its model range, will not participate in the exhibition.
Competition goes beyond price. Chinese brands are expanding their hybrid and electric vehicle lineups, while European manufacturers are looking for ways to reduce the cost of new models and accelerate development. The Paris exhibition will be one of the main public tests of how convincing the European automotive industry's response will be.