Paris Motor Show opens as record number of Chinese brands showcase auto innovations

The 91st Paris Motor Show opened in the French capital on Monday, with a record number of Chinese automakers showcasing their latest models and technologies as they look to increase their footprint in the European market.

The week-long event has brought together over 100 exhibitors and more than 60 automakers from Europe, America and Asia, with Chinese automakers having a much more visible presence than at previous editions of the biennial auto gathering.

A total of 25 Chinese brands, represented by 16 automakers including BYD, XPeng, Changan, Dongfeng and Leapmotor, are all taking part, roughly double the number which appeared at the 2024 edition.

With the auto sector undergoing a transformational period, this year's show features a wide range of new electric vehicles, hybrid models and advanced technologies which are shaping the future of driving.

Chinese manufacturers have arrived with very different strategies -- some focusing on affordability, some on luxury vehicles, and others looking at developing faster charging solutions.

For buyers, the fundamental requirements remain the same, with questions over vehicle costs, repair and maintenance, battery performance and charging speeds being among the prime concerns.

Amid the fast-paced changes which are reshaping the industry, Chinese companies are still building their reputation in the European market but many are keen to send a message which stresses their long-term commitment to the continent.

Electric vehicle maker Xpeng has already been establishing itself in Europe after entering into a partnership with leading auto supplier Magna to produce its cars at a plant in Austria and opening up a research and development center in Germany's Munich.

Tang Zhikun, general manager of Xpeng's International Business Center, said that these developments aim to bring a measure of stability to the firm's expansion, insisting that any shocks will not alter its plans.

"We do that from the very beginning. We set up a localized planning for Europe, so no matter [if there are] tariffs or other policy changes, that will not change our long-term view and long-term strategy. So [after launching] the research and development center in Europe, localized production in Magna and also the local dealer network -- that enables us to have a robust and also sustainable development of the brand in Europe," said Tang.

Meanwhile, major European brands including French auto firms Citroen, Peugeot, Renault and Germany's Audi and Volkswagen are also presenting new models at the Paris showcase, with electric vehicles, intelligent driving and innovative mobility solutions among the key highlights of this year's event.

Paris Motor Show opens as record number of Chinese brands showcase auto innovations

Diplomats, scholars and young content creators gathered in Beijing on Monday for the "No. 7A Salon," a special briefing marking the first anniversary of the Global Governance Initiative proposed by China, to explore a path toward a China-Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) community with a shared future.

The event was hosted by the China Public Diplomacy Association, whose organizers see young digital storytellers as a vital bridge for deepening people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and the region.

Addressing the salon, China's special representative for Latin American affairs Qiu Xiaoqi highlighted the achievements of China-LAC cooperation, saying the two sides have acted in growing concert on the global stage, from international institutions to shared positions against coercive practices.

"Over the past year or so, China and Latin American and Caribbean countries have actively advanced the building of the China-LAC community with a shared future through five major programs focusing on unity, development, civilization, peace and people-to-people bonds, and have made joint contributions to a more just and equitable global governance system. The two sides have worked closely together under multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, BRICS, APEC and the China-CELAC Forum. They speak with one voice and make concerted efforts on global issues including multilateral trade, climate change and food and energy security, and jointly oppose unilateralism, protectionism and hegemonic practices," said Qiu.

Chinese officials attending the meeting reaffirmed Beijing's principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of LAC countries, saying China's modernization experience offers a useful reference for countries in the region as they explore their own development paths. On artificial intelligence (AI), the officials voiced readiness for cooperation with the region, while stressing that the technology must remain under human control.

Public diplomacy association hosts salon on China-LAC shared future