Paris Motor Show 2024, Part 1: Wow!

Paris 2024 – many, very many came back! Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Ford, Kia, Mini, Skoda, Tesla, Volkswagen, Xpeng, and of course other Chinese brands that had to "save" the show in 2022. This is why they now expanded to four halls, with Hall 5 on two levels.

Even more important from our perspective was that, besides the exhibitors, the visitors also arrived, even though a fair, of any kind, in Paris is always a "secondary" event. Similarly, the French prefer to spend their money on good food rather than on cars. Still, even in France, cars can become the "most beautiful side issue" in the world, as the full halls demonstrated.

What was shown there, at its core, also addressed the French market – they were primarily sensible compact and mid-range models, often as SUVs and very often electric. Luxury and hypercars like in Geneva were nowhere to be found.

German World Premieres

And even the German manufacturers had a few world premieres onboard, albeit none earth-shattering. Audi unveiled the Q6 Sportback e-tron, Mini pushed its electric Cooper-Works models as a two-door and Aceman into the spotlight for the first time, while VW presented the Tayron and Skoda the Elroq.

Stellantis only brought selected brands: The DS SM study and the Opel Grandland were sorely missed

In the same hall, Stellantis showcased the new B10 and the large C16 alongside the current Leapmotor models; at Alfa Romeo, the focus was on the Junior Ibrida – together with the 33 Stradale and a discreetly refreshed interior Tonale, while Peugeot focused on its electric models, the new was the e-408. And since even in France there is some hesitation with e-mobility, large posters throughout Paris announced a "trade fair discount" of up to 5,000 euros! Mini had already massively reduced prices the week before but no longer grants discounts. Skoda's Elroq starting at just under 34,000 euros caused quite a stir!

Citroen renewed its entire range from Ami to C5 Aircross. The latter was still a near-production study and significantly larger than its predecessor. It will be positioned alongside the Opel Grandland between Peugeot e-3008 and e-5008.

Renault made a big comeback. Alpine is becoming the new premium volume brand

Renault also made a big splash: No fewer than THREE(!) concept cars were on display: Alongside the next Twingo, they showed the CUV sedan “Embléme,” illustrating their vision for the future of all models beyond the small cult classics 4, 5, and Twingo. Additionally, a R17 restomod was showcased, whose quirky-looking windshield wipers revealed that it was indeed built on an original R17. Renault also set up dedicated stands for Mobilize, the vans, Alpine, and Dacia. At Dacia, the “Bigster” celebrated its world premiere, while at Alpine, the 390 was unveiled. The former niche brand is expected to expand to up to seven(!) models, significantly boosting sales, with a potential future presence in China and the USA. At least, they are contemplating it openly.

In the hall, Kia also showcased its PBV5 van and the new EV3, and a few meters away stood the Ford Capri. Along with Ford, Cadillac made an appearance, though in Hall 5, where BYD, GAC, and Hongqi were among the well-known Chinese brands. The Americans brought with them an Optiq concept with enhanced off-road capabilities, the “Optiq Arctiq” with off-road tires and winter sports equipment on the roof.