Renault dominates Paris Motor Show sales

Renault is leading the Paris Motor Show 2026 with more than 60 sales per day, significantly outpacing other brands. Chinese automakers BYD and Xpeng are also performing well, with BYD averaging 55 contracts per day and Xpeng recording 44 daily sales.

High sales volume at the show

Nearly 240 orders are signed daily on the first days open to the public, with Renault accounting for more than a quarter of these sales. Manufacturers have deployed their best teams to convert visitors into buyers, with Skoda aiming for 200 sales for the week using 12 salespeople on site and 8 closed offices on the show floor.

Test drives boost sales

The possibility of test driving vehicles on site has been a key factor in converting interest into sales, with 100 cars available for testing at the Paris Motor Show, a significant increase from the 45 available in 2014. Among visitors, 28% indicated they were considering a car purchase within 12 months, but this figure rises to over 50% for those who perform a road test.

Alfa Romeo uses unique strategies

At Alfa Romeo, the brand is employing unique strategies to attract buyers, such as offering personalized cappuccinos with the brand's logo, the biscione, in a private room after test drives. Salespeople at the Alfa Romeo stand have already made multiple sales, with the goal of reaching 100 orders for the week.

Electric vehicles gain traction

According to Stellantis, 50% of the sales made at the Alfa Romeo stand now concern fully electric vehicles, with strong interest in the new DS Numéro 7 and Lancia Gamma models. The Smart stand has also seen unexpected success with the new #2 model, which was presented for the first time globally at the show.

Smart's new model attracts buyers

The model's simplified technical specification and lower price point have attracted buyers from across France, including an enthusiastic German who traveled specifically to Paris to see the car. The brand plans to end 2026 with growth between +25% and +30%, with the new #2 expected to represent more than 50% of sales next year.

Economic factors drive purchases

To concretize purchases, visitors prioritize economic arguments and reassurance, with some opting for electric vehicles after comparing different models at the show. BYD, for example, offers an 8-year or 250,000-kilometer warranty on batteries, contributing to its balanced sales between hybrid and electric models.

Chinese brands expand in Europe

The Chinese presence in the European market is expanding, with the Chery group launching multiple brands in France and aiming to expand its dealership network to 400 sales points by 2027. Xpeng, a Chinese manufacturer, aims to sell half a million cars in Europe each year, a target that would place it ahead of Ford, whose European sales reach 426,459 cars per year.

Xpeng plans to strengthen production

Xpeng plans to strengthen its European production, potentially through a new plant or a partnership with an established European manufacturer, to reduce dependence on imports and better adapt to local expectations. The brand has already begun producing some models in Austria through Magna Steyr, which could help it better control logistics and respond to evolving trade rules.