China's electric vehicles (EVs) and a wide range of EV-related auto parts including batteries are highlighted at the 2024 Paris Motor show that started on Monday in France, capturing attentions of many European auto professionials.
The week-long exhibition, which runs through to Oct. 20, is showcasing the latest innovations in the automotive industry, and marks the first major automotive exhibition held following the European Union's approval of hiking tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles earlier this month.
Many representatives of European exhibitors at the show have expressed their enthusiasm for China's electric vehicle industry chain products, saying the competition between European and Chinese carmakers should be market-oriented.
"Europe is a little bit late in EV industry, and we have to admit this. Our equipment products are also falling behind. I'm standing at an exhibition section of a Chinese battery maker with sophisticated battery-making technologies that I discovered only yesterday. European people need to understand how to manufacture batteries better. I have seen high-end EVs and electric supercars at an auto show in Beijing, so our Chinese friends know exactly how to make such cars," said Serge Bierry, co-founder of Prestige Auto Beaune.
European carmakers belive China and Europe should cooperate in EV industry as China plays an important role in providing raw materials and batteries.
"I think this collaboration actually is absolutely necessary because I can see the European cost, the price of it is so high in comparison with the Chinese car. So I think the future is about collaboration between China and Europe," said José Diez Climent, a strategic project director general from Generalitat Valenciana.
José Diez Climent, Director Generak de Proyectis Estratégicos Presidencia de la Generalitat Valenciana
The auto show has boosted the confidence of Chinese companies as they find they are taking the lead in global EV industry.
Many clients from Europe have acknowledged that they are lagging behind Chinese brands in the EV and EV-related auto parts manufacturing industries, so some senior employees from overseas original equipment manufacturers flocked to China during last year's auto show to see what progress Chinese brands have made, said Cao Kai, an exhibitor of a Chinese brand.
"Against this backdrop, many European companies are trying to catch up with Chinese brands in terms of EV technologies and auto parts," said Cao.
China's EVs, components grab attention from Europe at Paris auto show
