In October, French President Macron (middle) rode the Peugeot Inception concept car with Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares (left) and Stellantis Chairman John Elkann when visiting the Paris Motor Show at the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Center in Paris. (Right) Conversation 14, 2024.
Ludovic Marin | AFP | Getty Images
PARIS, France—Auto giants gathered at the Paris Motor Show to showcase their latest concepts and production models, competing to attract the public’s attention with eye-catching designs and futuristic technologies.
The biennial trade show opens on Monday and runs until Sunday, as European carmakers face some stark realities on their path to full electrification.
Manufacturers including Volkswagen, BMW and Stellantis have all issued profit warnings in recent weeks, citing challenges including weak demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and fierce competition from abroad.
Pressure on European carmakers will increase when emissions reduction targets come into effect next year.
The hope is that the Paris auto show will be a turning point for Europe’s auto industry, many of which are launching affordable electric vehicles as they try to keep up with Chinese rivals.
French car manufacturer Peugeot was one of those people who caused a stir. The automaker welcomed visitors, including French President Emmanuel Macron, to take a closer look at its ultra-square steering wheel.
Peugeot said the rectangular steering wheel, which resembles a video game controller, will be produced in 2026.
Hypersquare appears in Peugeot’s Inception concept car.
Peugeot Inception concept car at the Paris Motor Show on October 14, 2024.
Ricardo Milani | Ricardo Milani AFP | Getty Images
Elsewhere, Chinese electric car maker BYD launched its Yangwang U8 model to French audiences for the first time.
A BYD spokesperson told CNBC that the plug-in hybrid SUV can “swim” for up to 30 minutes, park sideways, and turn completely on the spot.
The Yangwang U8 model can perform these operations via four electric motors (one for each wheel).
BYD said the vehicle’s ability to float is “more than just a gadget,” adding that the feature could potentially save lives in the event of a flood or water-related accident.
BYD showed the Yangwang U8 model to French audiences for the first time at the Paris Auto Show.
CNBC
The car also comes with a built-in drone mounted on the roof, which BYD says can be deployed to show drivers upcoming road conditions.
The Yangwang U8 was first launched in Guangzhou last year and is currently only sold in China.
French carmaker Renault has revealed its retro-styled R4, a small electric SUV based on the iconic Renault 4.
Crisis-ridden Germany’s Volkswagen has made the debut of its seven-seat Tallon SUV, which is available in the range as a mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid. Volkswagen said the Tayron is the company’s second-largest SUV in Europe after the Touareg and can be ordered for 45,475 euros ($49,525).
Stellantis launched two new models at the Paris Motor Show. The company, which owns household names such as Jeep, Dodge, Fiat and Chrysler, has announced the launch of its new compact Citroën C4 and C4X. Both models are available in hybrid, electric and combustion-only versions.
The badge and front grille of the Citroën e-C4 electric car at the Paris Motor Show on Monday, October 14, 2024 in Paris, France.
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images
China’s Xpeng Motors launched the P7+ at the Paris Motor Show on Monday, an all-electric model it hopes will solidify its position in the era of autonomous driving and artificial intelligence-driven mobility.
The P7+ is equipped with what Xpeng Motors calls a “Turing chip,” named after the British scientist and mathematician Alan Turing. The chip is designed to run in a variety of the company’s artificial intelligence-powered vehicles, from robots to flying cars, one of which was on display above the Xpeng Motors stage.
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