Grand automobile show ends with mixed reactions

The 91st edition of the grand automobile show concluded this Sunday, drawing attention to new models, industry trends, and behind-the-scenes discussions. Among the highlights was the 2 CV, a model that sparked both admiration and skepticism from attendees and experts alike.

Design similarities and production details

Pierre Leclercq, the design head of Chevrons, noted that the new 2 CV shares approximately 85 to 90% similarity with previous designs. This figure is comparable to the Hyundai Concept THREE, which led to the Ioniq 3. Stellantis has confirmed that the 2 CV will be produced in Pomigliano d'Arco, near Naples, alongside a likely Fiat model. The new name for the car is rumored to be that of a bear.

Criticism of environmental and safety standards

François Provost, head of Renault, has criticized what he calls an overreach in European environmental and safety standards for cars. He claims these "108 standards" due by 2030 would add 3,000 euros per vehicle in costs. He has called for exemptions for smaller cars, while Katrin Adt, head of Dacia, mentioned "107 standards" in an earlier interview, though the exact number remains unclear.

Trade restrictions on Chinese hybrids

Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commissioner for trade, secured a limit on Chinese hybrid car imports in Beijing. China will now be restricted to sending 350,000 vehicles to Europe annually until the next decade. Last year, 800,000 hybrids were imported to European ports. François Provost and Thomas Schäfer of Volkswagen welcomed this development as a positive step forward.

Macron's visit and European automotive agreement

Emmanuel Macron made his final visit to the World under his presidential mandate, driving the 2 CV and the Renault E-Space. This event served both as a political gesture and to prepare for the European Council in Brussels. Le Monde reported an agreement between France and Germany on a joint statement that delays the ban on internal combustion engines until 2035, allowing a 10% window for CO2-emitting vehicles.

Jeep's return and Willys revival

Xavier Peugeot, the new European head of Jeep, announced the return of the Renegade on a multi-energy platform. He also hinted at a revival of the Willys, the vehicle that accompanied the Normandy landing. The new model is expected to be a small car, likely based on the same platform as the Citroën 2 CV, with a release date possibly around 2030.

Renault E-Space and design trends

The Renault E-Space concept aims to modernize the "car to live" concept, featuring an OpenR Panorama with curved glass stretching from one pillar to the other. This design will be integrated into future models like the Rafale or Scénic. Renault's approach aligns with Peugeot's curved screens on the e-3008, while other brands like BMW and Xiaomi use different methods, such as projecting instrumentation onto windshields.

Volkswagen's stance on kei-cars

Thomas Schäfer of Volkswagen stated that the company has no interest in joining the European kei-car market. The ID.1, set to launch next year, will be a small car similar in size to the Renault 5. Volkswagen prefers focusing on models around the size of the Polo rather than producing smaller vehicles.

Smart's unclear strategy

The Smart stand featured a 5-meter-tall leg inside a white shoe, placed between the #2, the main attraction. The collaboration between Geely and Mercedes is unclear, and the message being conveyed remains ambiguous. The display did not provide a clear direction or strategy for the brand.

Interest in Chinese manufacturers

The public showed interest in stands from Chinese car manufacturers like BYD, Li Auto, Geely, Xpeng, and Forthing. Attendees tested plastics, asked questions, and engaged with sellers. Twenty Chinese exhibitors were present, making up a third of the total manufacturers. Geely's E2, the European version of the Xingyuan, was the top-selling model in China in the first half of the year.

Stellantis' concept cars and materials

Hall 4 was dominated by Stellantis, which displayed six concept cars with varying levels of development. The Grizzly and Gamma models used black lacquered plastics, often called piano black. While some manufacturers have moved away from this trend, Renault’s E-Space concept highlights a growing use of these materials.

Sales activity at the show

The World show also serves as a commercial indicator for manufacturers. Salespeople were active on Tuesday, signing order forms with visitors. At one major manufacturer, sales teams were already surpassing their targets, showing that car sales remain strong under the lights of the Porte de Versailles.