• The Paris Motor Show 2026 will be held from October 12 to 18, 2026, in an important context for the European automotive industry. Organised every two years, alternating with IAA Mobility in Munich, the Paris Motor Show will be a key event this year for understanding developments in the sector and the ongoing changes in the global automotive market.
• Demand in Europe remains below pre-pandemic levels and has still not returned to expected levels. At the same time, carmakers are facing an increasingly challenging international environment. Some export markets are closing due to protectionist policies, particularly in the United States. In China, European carmakers are also facing stiff competition from local carmakers and growing competitiveness challenges.
• However, some markets offer new export opportunities for European industry. Brazil and India , particularly thanks to new free trade agreements, could represent growth drivers for European carmakers and suppliers. These markets are not expected, however, to fully offset the decline in certain key markets, notably China , in the short term.
• The good news is that sales of electric and electrified vehicles are increasing in Europe. This transition must be supported and accelerated to achieve the European targets for 2035. Key issues include vehicle pricing, consumer accessibility, and the development of charging networks. These remain important topics.
• In this context, the arrival and growth of Chinese carmakers in Europe represents a major shift for the sector. Their presence is no longer limited to vehicle sales. They are also beginning to consider or establish industrial operations in Europe, with various options: building new factories, acquiring existing ones, or utilising currently available production capacity. This development raises several questions for European industry, particularly regarding relationships with European and Chinese suppliers, the organisation of supply chains, and the level of local production.
• Inovev forecasts an increase in the presence of Chinese carmakers in Europe, with production capacity reaching 1.2 million vehicles by 2030 in the most optimistic scenario. However, this does not mean an "invasion" of Europe by Chinese carmakers. Their market share will certainly grow, driven in particular by the novelty of the brands and models offered. But the European automotive industry has strong advantages: technological expertise, a strong and lasting presence among consumers, and the ability to offer increasingly affordable vehicles. The battle is therefore far from won for Chinese carmakers.
A Paris Motor Show that reflects these changes:
• It is in this context that the 2026 Paris Motor Show takes on particular importance. The number and diversity of brands announced clearly demonstrate the changes underway in the automotive industry, especially in Europe.
The show will bring together numerous European carmakers, as well as a significant number of Chinese brands, and Japanese, American, and Korean carmakers.
• Car brands that will be present:
- European brands: AIXAM, ALFA ROMEO, ALPINE, AUDI, CITROEN, CUPRA, DACIA, DS AUTOMOBILES, FIAT, KILOW, LANCIA, MERCEDES, OPEL, PEUGEOT, RENAULT, SKODA, SMART, VOLKSWAGEN, VOLVO
- Chinese brands: AITO, BYD, CHANGAN, CHERY, DENZA, FORTHING, GAC, GEELY, JAECOO, LEAPMOTOR, LI AUTO, LINKTOUR, LYNK & CO, MAXUS, MG, OMODA, XPENG, ZEEKR
- Japanese brands : TOYOTA, HONDA
- American brands : FORD, LUCID, TESLA
- Korean brands : HYUNDAI, KIA
• Several particularly interesting new models have already been announced: Alpine, Mercedes, Volvo, Dacia, Zeekr, Omoda, Jaecoo, and several Chinese brands are expected to present models as European premieres. For example, Zeekr is announcing two brand-new models, and Omoda and Jaecoo are announcing several new models as French debuts.
• However, not all major brands will be present: several significant absences have been noted recently, such as that of BMW.
• Compared to the 2025 IAA, there has been a 50% increase in the number of brands present at the Paris Motor Show (44 brands instead of 29). Chinese brands, in particular, have a greater presence in Paris than in Munich: 18 versus 12. Also noteworthy is the presence of Japanese carmakers Toyota and Honda, who were not present in Munich in 2025.
