These dozens of new electric products are supposed to revive the market while the sector is in full slowdown. This edition thus turns out to be less flashy than the previous ones, with more everyday vehicles, and fewer “concept cars” and inaccessible models. Only Renault is putting on a show with its resurrected R17 coupe in an electric version, its “Embleme” concept supposed to be more environmentally friendly, and Alpine concept cars.
Above all, the diamond brand is playing big at home with its electric R4 and R5. A do-it-all car, with practical details and a range of 400 kilometers, the Renault 4 must complete Renault’s electric offering for the middle classes, with the smaller Renault 5 and the future Twingo. Also playing on this democratization, Citroën is presenting the new version of its small C3.
The Chinese brand Leapmotor, associated with Stellantis, offers a few steps away the cheapest electric car on the market, the small T03, assembly of which has just started in Poland. And other Chinese manufacturers of electric and hybrid cars are arriving in number: the generalist BYD, the luxury Hongqi, the technophile XPeng, Maxus (utility vehicles) and Skyworth (subsidiary of an electronics group) are presenting ever-increasing ranges in Paris. supplied vehicles for the European market.
Leasing. While the French government announced an increase in penalties on gasoline and diesel cars, which is enraging the sector, Emmanuel Macron arrived at the show on Monday afternoon, after having received the leaders of the sector for dinner on Sunday evening.
“This visit will be an opportunity to show support for the sector, in particular for innovation and production, in line with the objectives of the France 2030 plan as well as the European objectives of the sector, resolutely focused on electrification,” said the Elysée on Sunday evening. Stellantis boss Carlos Tavares, whose group took advantage of the “social leasing” system at the start of 2024, proposed on Monday that this system be extended to used electric cars.
Mr. Tavares, Luca de Meo for Renault and Oliver Zipse for BMW, after presenting the new products of their brands on Monday, will come to explain their vision of mobility during conferences on Tuesday. The CGT promises a demonstration in front of the salon on Thursday October 17. As for other foreign manufacturers, the Volkswagen group (Audi, Skoda), BMW-Mini and Kia are making a comeback after a few years of absence.
Unexpected. Tesla also makes an unexpected appearance to show its huge Cybertruck SUV, and Cadillac marks its return to Europe with imposing electric models. If luxury car manufacturers are absent from this general public show, some Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Porsche and racing car models must be presented, between the vehicle testing center, exhibitions on the history of the automobile and the karting track.
Alpine, the premium brand that the Renault group wants to grow, will present the cutting style of its future sports models through its A390_β concept. Small French manufacturers like Delage, Devalliet, Pantore or PGO also intend to benefit from this spotlight.
While the Geneva show had its last edition this winter, the Paris Motor Show is trying to renew itself and has revised its prices downward to attract more exhibitors. The show expects to attract 500,000 visitors, with tickets costing 18 to 22 euros per entry depending on the day.
Taimaz SIRNIKS
© Agence France-Presse
