Model blitz at Paris motor show as Europe-China rivalry heats up
Around 20 Chinese brands, including BYD and Chery, are attending the show.
The 2026 Paris Motor Show showcased a surge of new car models from Europe and China amid escalating competition. The European Union announced a deal with China to limit Chinese hybrid vehicle imports to 350,000 per year, a move welcomed by manufacturers but with calls for more support. Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa praised the deal but sought government aid for high energy costs.
Renault CEO Francois Provost viewed the agreement as better than a trade war. Chinese automaker Changan, attended by 20 brands including BYD and Chery, saw a double presence this year. Chinese brands have gained share rapidly in Europe, while exports of hybrids to the EU's 27 members tripled to $7.5 billion in the first half of 2026.
The EU-China deal could impact BYD, Chery, and SAIC's MG brand the most. Volkswagen reported a 14.3% drop in deliveries in the third quarter, the steepest quarterly decline in four years. Stellantis unveiled six new models and nine concept cars at the show, adopting faster development cycles similar to those in China. Renault planned to increase EV production in France by 50% within a year.
Chinese automakers, like Changan and BYD, are expanding their European operations, with Changan exploring European production and BYD studying the possibility of building a factory in France. The EU imposed tariffs on Chinese-made fully electric vehicles in October 2024 and is working on "Made in Europe" rules for EVs. China's auto market saw a 20% fall in sales in the first half of 2026, driving manufacturers to expand overseas.
Europe has become China's top export priority, as China's market remains largely closed to Chinese automakers.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
