Highlights from the 2024 Paris Motor Show
17 October 2024
The Paris Motor Show saw carmakers from across Europe in attendance, proving that such large events are still relevant. Phil Curry, Autovista24 special content editor, reveals his highlights.
The 2024 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) saw a small turnout from major European brands. Eight months later, and all eyes were on the Paris Motor Show to see if carmakers were still interested in the large-event format.
For some of Europe’s biggest brands, the answer seemed to be yes. Both of France’s domestic manufacturers, Renault Group and Stellantis, turned up to showcase their latest models and launch new ones.
While the former came with all its brands, including the Mobilize shared mobility platform, Stellantis left a few behind. Fiat, Opel, DS Automobiles and Jeep were absent, as the group concentrated on those brands with announcements to make.
The show was not exclusive to domestic OEMs. Volkswagen (VW) Group, with the VW brand, Skoda and Audi, was also in attendance. So too was BMW Group, albeit with a small presence, as well as Kia, Ford, General Motors, BYD, Xpeng and Aito.
So, there was a strong representation of the European automotive market. The focus was very much on home-grown brands. BYD and Aito appeared in a separate hall to Renault Group and Stellantis, while other European brands slotted in around the French stands.
The only Chinese-majority-owned carmaker to have a prime location was Xpeng. It used a prime location next to the Renault Group to show a number of models alongside a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle, suspended above its cars.
Launch season
Stellantis used the Paris Motor Show to launch its new Citroen C5 Aircross Concept. As a preview of the brand’s next C-segment SUV, it features a strong look that belies its aerodynamic prowess. The new model reduces drag with its sculpted surfaces, including fins at the rear to direct airflow more efficiently. It is also the first to be built on Stellantis’ STLA medium platform.
The standout launch for Renault Group was the new Renault 4. With the carmaker having unveiled the Renault 5 at GIMS, Paris got its own exclusive from the carmaker. The model features some design nods back to the original Renault 4, including a canvas roof option, and the inclusion of a wicker basket in the passenger footwell. The B-segment vehicle aims to appeal to a broad range of customers looking to switch to a battery-electric vehicle (BEV).
Also unveiled on the Renault stand was the Emblemé, a model featuring a 40kWh battery alongside a hydrogen fuel cell. The model produces just five tonnes of CO2 from cradle to grave. This is 90% less than an equivalent vehicle built today.
It utilises natural and recycled materials with a low carbon footprint, while the production process relies entirely on renewable energy. The car can travel up to 1,000km, with water the only active emissions as a by-product of the fuel cell.
Neue models at Paris Motor Show
BMW brought two Neue Klasse Vision vehicles to Paris, giving attendees a glimpse of the brand’s future direction. The BMW Vision Neue Class is a sporty electric sedan for the premium mid-range market. Meanwhile, the Vision Neue Class X brings the same design philosophy to the SUV market.
Both models feature bold but minimalist designs, with large LED lighting and smooth panels. Inside, BMW has provided its next generation of iDrive for more intuitive interactions between the driver and vehicle. This includes a 3D head-up display and panoramic vision.
BYD used the event to unveil the Sealion 07. The model sports a coupé roofline, built on the brand’s new 3.0 EVO platform. Subject to provisional EU tariffs, the carmaker confirmed its Hungary plant would be operational by the end of 2025. This would help it to serve the European market, without encountering duties.
Ford’s new Capri made its European debut in Paris. The model was unveiled by ex-French international football player Eric Cantona, who was also promised the seventh production model, a reference to his squad number at Manchester United. The carmaker will be hoping the Capri helps it to meet the new EU CO2 targets coming into play next year.
A strong showing
Overall, the Paris Motor Show can be seen as a success. It provided a platform for domestic carmakers to showcase their latest models while also highlighting brands from outside the continent.
Although less interactive than the IAA Munich, displaying so many vehicles, especially electric models, was a benefit to the industry. With carmakers building on emotional connections by launching new BEVs with classic names, and creating excitement around each announcement, they will hope the event is a launchpad for increased BEV sales. This is especially important with stricter EU CO2 targets next year.
