Paris Motor Show 2024, Part 2: The Most Exciting Sidekicks

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

We find it a bit challenging with Aito and Skyworth, where once again mid-sized electric SUVs were offered at prices that even EU manufacturers are now massively undercutting. Like BYD and Hongqi, GAC also wants to enter Europe – the Aion V is set to launch in selected markets from 2025, and we have already driven it (https://vision-mobility.de/news/fahrbericht-gac-aion-v-t-rex-mit-komfort-und-kulleraugen-342350.html)

Always exciting: The niche and small series models

There were also many new charging technologies and lightweight vehicles – Axiam and Ligier are established in France. Microlino presented the open "Spiaggina" as a production model, Moke was on hand, as well as the "Softcar" from Switzerland, which was extremely consistently trimmed to zero CO2 emissions – or at least as little as possible, since this "zero" is always more theoretical. A little car that requires a somewhat monastic equanimity but allows up to four people to travel from A to B maintenance-free and at the lowest cost, at up to 90 km/h. With a range of up to 200 kilometers.

And a bit of luxury was allowed after all – Delage is attempting a comeback with hypercars – we would have rather placed the brand alongside Bentley and Rolls Royce…

The stand of Valeo was also large, which President Macron was the first to visit on October 14, 2024, in Hall 4. Moreover, Valeo rented an old distillery, from where one could view test drives and further technical innovations. Valeo was the only major supplier to make an appearance, partly because its roots are in and around Paris. An insider disclosed to us that they are committed to the Paris Show and would be "the last to leave the bridge" if push came to shove.