The 2024 Paris Motor Show officially kicked off on October 14, local time, showcasing over a dozen Chinese automotive manufacturers, including BYD, Hongqi, GAC, Xpeng, Leap Motor, and Skyworth.
As one of the leaders in China’s new energy vehicle sector, BYD drew significant attention. The press conference was packed, with many spectators gathering outside to catch a glimpse of the event. During the presentation, BYD’s Executive Vice President, Li Ke, provided insights into the company’s current developments and future strategic plans. She highlighted that from January to August this year, BYD captured 23% of the global new energy vehicle market share.
At the show, BYD unveiled the “Sea Lion 07” electric vehicle, which is set to debut in the European market soon. The press conference offered a detailed overview of the vehicle’s performance, and afterward, numerous industry professionals flocked to the new model for a closer look.
GAC launched its first global strategic model, the second-generation “AION V,” specifically for the European market at the Paris Motor Show. The company announced that the “AION V” will officially meet European consumers next year. Hongqi showcased its EH7 and EHS7 models at their booth, revealing the overseas starting prices during the press conference. Leap Motor also introduced its new B series and its first global model, the B10.
French President Emmanuel Macron attended the motor show, visiting several French automotive companies including Renault and Citroën. Renault displayed various economical electric vehicles, such as the R4 and R5, with Macron even taking a test ride in the R5. He praised the development of electric vehicles by French manufacturers, emphasizing the need to persevere despite current challenges.
The Italian company Alfa Romeo attracted attention with its 33 Stradale supercar, hailed as the jewel of the show. Limited to just 33 units, the car will be delivered to customers by the end of the year, with a starting price exceeding €1 million; reports suggest that all units are already sold out.
The Paris Motor Show has its origins in the International Motor Salon of 1898, making it the oldest auto show in the world. Since 1976, it has been held biennially in the fall, and this year marks its 90th edition. The Paris Motor Show is one of the world’s top five auto shows, alongside the International Motor Show in Germany, the Geneva Motor Show, the North American International Auto Show, and the Tokyo Motor Show.
