Electric Vehicles from Europe and China Face Off at Paris Motor Show

126th Anniversary of Europe's Largest Auto Show
Renault Group Sets Up Largest Exhibition Space
BYD, Lingpao and Other Chinese EV Makers Counterattack

On the 14th (local time), the Paris Motor Show, which opened with a press preview, featured numerous Chinese electric vehicle brands alongside European local automakers. Despite the European Union's decision to impose high tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles set to take effect this month, Chinese companies seemed undeterred.

Marking its 126th year, the Paris Motor Show is considered the largest automotive exhibition held in Europe this year. Europe, known as the birthplace of automobiles with a long history, gives the impression that its local automakers are falling behind in the recent trend toward electrification. Large Chinese electric vehicle companies, backed by strong domestic market and government support, are aggressively targeting overseas markets with competitive pricing. Europe, with its relatively high acceptance of electric vehicles, is their primary target.

Electric Vehicles from Europe and China Face Off at Paris Motor Show

On the 14th (local time), the Paris Motor Show 2024 Renault exhibition booth opened as a pre-event for the press.
[Photo by Korea Automobile Journalists Association]

This year, Renault, headquartered in France, set up the largest exhibition space at the Paris Motor Show. The 2,500㎡ exhibition hall featured multiple brands under the Renault Group, including Dacia, Alpine, and Mobilize. They showcased seven world premiere models, including the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric, considered an affordable electric vehicle, as well as two concept cars.

Renault focused on new cars that reinterpret past designs. In particular, the Renault 4 concept car symbolizing 'Flower Power,' a symbol of nonviolent resistance that emerged in the United States in the 1960s, attracted significant attention from the press. Models wearing floral headscarves and retro fashion roamed the exhibition hall. French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited the venue in the afternoon, examined concept car emblems and vehicles such as the Renault 5 and Twingo at the Renault booth.

Luca de Meo, Chairman of Renault Group, poses next to the Renault R4 E-Tech, unveiled for the first time.
[Photo by Korea Automobile Journalists Association]

BYD, competing with Tesla at the forefront of electric vehicles, also set up an exhibition. Charlie Li, BYD Vice President, introduced the company's core technologies such as batteries and platforms, emphasizing, "BYD is a global company with factories in Hungary, Brazil, and Uzbekistan." He showcased electric vehicles currently sold in France, including the recently exported Seal Lion 7 and other new models.

Stellantis, a multinational alliance centered in Europe, announced several electric vehicles, including a joint venture with Chinese electric vehicle maker Lingpao (Leapmotor). The joint venture, Leapmotor International, is responsible for electric vehicle operations outside China. It shares Lingpao's electric vehicle development technology and Stellantis's global sales and maintenance network. Leapmotor International plans to open 500 dealerships in Europe by the end of next year.

French President Emmanuel Macron (second from right) and Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis (third from right), along with others, are taking a commemorative photo on the press day of the Paris Motor Show on the 14th (local time).
[Photo by Korea Automobile Journalists Association]

Electric vehicle Seal exhibited at the BYD booth at the Paris Motor Show
Photo by Korea Automobile Journalists Association

Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, and Zhu Jiangmin, CEO of Lingpao, jointly introduced the latest technologies and local business plans to the press. Tavares said, "We acted swiftly and decisively with a shared purpose and responsibility for advanced technology and the popularization of affordable electric vehicles," adding, "This partnership (joint venture) will greatly help provide customers with additional clean, safe, and affordable cars."

Among Korean companies, Kia unveiled the small electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) EV3 at this event, aiming for a year-end launch in Europe. They also exhibited the existing EV6, EV9, and the purpose-built vehicle PV5 concept car. Hyundai Mobis set up a private booth, focusing on sales by demonstrating new products and technologies to pre-invited customers such as automakers. BMW Group displayed the concept car Vision Noire Klasse featuring new technologies and unveiled the Mini John Cooper Works electric vehicle for the first time.