Paris motor show: Macron calls for European preference against China

Emmanuel Macron, the French President, is set to attend the Paris Motor Show for the last time as head of state, despite his love for cars. The event, a biennial gathering, will serve as an opportunity for Macron to evaluate his record in the automotive sector. The presidency emphasizes that the car industry is central to French manufacturing, employing 400,000 individuals directly.

Macron stresses the importance of electric vehicle production and the development of a national battery industry. Prior to 2017, France's electric car production was minimal, relying primarily on a single model, the Renault Zoe. Since Macron's presidency began, electric vehicle output has surged, but it still falls short of meeting domestic demand. In 2025, 331,000 electric passenger cars were registered in France, while 216,000 were produced domestically.

However, six out of ten electric cars made in France are exported, primarily to the United Kingdom and other European markets. Consequently, 26% of new electric vehicles purchased in France are manufactured in the country. To meet this gap, car manufacturers rely heavily on imports.

France lags behind its goal to produce two million electric vehicles annually by 2030. The presidency acknowledges progress in electrifying the car fleet and welcomes the establishment of four battery plants in the north of the country. On the eve of the show, a dinner at the Élysée will be held for around 60 stakeholders, including carmakers, equipment suppliers, battery manufacturers, and rare earth companies, all of whom will be European or French.

The show itself will host numerous Chinese manufacturers. The following day, Macron will tour the show, visiting Stellantis, Renault, and Valeo stands. A roundtable on autonomous cars will conclude his visit. Paris aims to enforce a strict European preference over Chinese manufacturers, advocating for stronger EU public subsidies for domestically produced vehicles. While open to quality Chinese investment, France seeks to avoid "screwdriver factories" where components are primarily manufactured elsewhere.

France and Germany must align their positions, as they have contrasting models. Germany exports more vehicles than France, making their interests somewhat different. Talks between the two nations are ongoing, with France considering relaxing its target for reducing CO2 emissions from new cars by 2035. In return, Germany would support stricter "Made in Europe" rules. However, the Élysée denies any agreement has been reached.