From ultra-fast charging to intelligent driving, Chinese automakers are presenting new models better tailored to the European market at the ongoing 2026 Paris Motor Show, making the country's brands one of the biggest attractions as they deepen their presence on the continent.
The biennial show, which opened on Oct. 12 at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, brings together 61 automotive brands from Europe, America and Asia. The 25 Chinese brands taking part, represented by 16 automakers, account for 41 percent of the total, roughly double the number at the 2024 edition.
Among them is Li Auto, a Chinese automaker appearing at an overseas auto show for the first time, which unveiled the European version of its Li 6 mid-size electric SUV and displayed its self-developed chips, tuning adapted for European conditions and after-sales service platform.
"We will still focus on the products themselves, while considering how to better adapt them to Europe -- to European usage scenarios and family habits," said Wu Zuomin, head of international business at Li Auto.
BYD, meanwhile, showcased a complete lineup ranging from entry-level models to its premium Denza brand, pairing its second-generation Blade Battery with megawatt flash-charging technology that can charge a vehicle from 10 percent to 97 percent in just nine minutes.
"Following the launch of the Bao 5 and Denza Z at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK in July, we are bringing them to Paris for the first time. In particular, we demonstrated our flash-charging technology on site, which really impressed our colleagues here," said Li Ke, executive vice president of BYD.
In addition, Leapmotor set up a 500-square-meter booth displaying nearly 10 models already on sale in Europe, with its new A05 electric compact car and flagship D19 SUV making their European debuts.
XPeng gave its flagship G9L SUV a global debut at the show, with European orders opening simultaneously. The automaker is making intelligent driving the centerpiece of its push into Europe, using localized production to gradually build a technology-driven brand image on the continent.
Chinese automakers debut Europe-tailored models at Paris Motor Show
Chinese automakers debut Europe-tailored models at Paris Motor Show
Huanggang Port, linking south China's Shenzhen City and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, has greatly streamlined cross-border passenger travel since its reopening on Oct 12 after redevelopment.
The updated port is positioned as the most important 24-hour passenger land boundary control point between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. It operates under a co-location arrangement with a new "collaborative inspection and joint clearance" mode, allowing travelers to complete both Hong Kong and Shenzhen immigration clearance in a single queue.
Under this new clearance mode, clearance time is significantly reduced from around 30 minutes at the original Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port to approximately five minutes.
On Saturday, the first weekend since the redeveloped port resumed operations, passengers were impressed by the clean facilities and speedy clearance, even as passenger numbers surged.
"This is my first time here. I'm heading to Hong Kong for shopping, and I will pass through this port again on my way back. I chose this route because the transport connections here are excellent; the port area is spacious with plenty inspection counters, making the process convenient and fast," said Mr. Liang, a Shenzhen resident.
"I came to check out the redeveloped port and see how things run here. It has been a great experience; everything is very clean, well-organized, and the facilities are excellent," said Mr. Chua, a Singaporean tourist.
To handle the surge in passengers during the weekend, Shenzhen border inspection authorities have coordinated with their Hong Kong counterparts to manage the pace of immigration checks, ensuring safety and order at the port.
"Leveraging intelligent monitoring equipment, we conduct round-the-clock real-time analysis of vehicle and passenger flow trends at the port, ensuring efficient and smooth customs clearance for passengers," said Wu Liupeng, a customs official at Huanggang Port.
The original Huanggang Port, which opened in 1989, was China's first large-scale land port with 24-hour clearance. It has served hundreds of millions of travelers, with daily passenger traffic peaking at over 60,000 and daily vehicle traffic reaching around 10,000.
Reconstruction on the original site began in 2019 to meet the surging demand for cross-border passage.
Redeveloped port greatly streamlines cross-border passenger travel between Shenzhen, Hong Kong
Redeveloped port greatly streamlines cross-border passenger travel between Shenzhen, Hong Kong
