Paris Motor Show highlights concept cars

The Paris Motor Show has once again become a focal point for concept cars, particularly highlighted by Stellantis, which unveiled seven new studies. This resurgence of concept cars comes after a period of turbulence for automotive shows, marked by the absence of many brands.

Fewer brands, fewer concepts

The 2022 edition of the Paris Motor Show was notably sparse, while the 2024 edition saw a recovery but with gaps in the program. Fewer brands participating have led to fewer opportunities to showcase concepts, yet even among those that attended, concepts were less fashionable compared to previous years.

Alfa Romeo and Fiat unveil new concepts

Alfa Romeo is presenting its first concept since 2019, the Cuorerosso, while Fiat is showcasing the Grizzly and the Panda family. Several prototypes revealed in Paris lacked interiors, a cost-saving measure. Despite this, concepts remain useful for attracting attention and media coverage, especially when there are fewer new products to unveil.

Stellantis outlines new strategy

Stellantis, for instance, is using the show to highlight its new strategic plan "Fastlane 2030," aiming to launch 50 new products in Europe by 2030 to expand its market coverage by 25 percent. However, the show also revealed that in terms of classic new products, there is a dearth.

Few major launches at the show

For Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS, Opel, and Peugeot, there were no major launches. The new 208 was not unveiled, and instead, the E-T16 was shown as a teaser for its official release in early 2027. Citroën's return of the 2 CV was a sensation, though the series version is scheduled for 2028.

Chinese brands focus on real products

This approach aims to plant a seed in the minds of potential customers, hoping they will wait rather than opt for competing models like the Renault Twingo. The risk of concepts is generating frustration, with models that inspire dreams but lack follow-up. Some visitors wonder if it would have been preferable not to know what a new RCZ could look like rather than seeing it classified without further development.

Alpine A310 stands out

However, the Alpine A310 seems less gratuitous than it appears. While there are more concepts in Paris, Chinese brands, which are numerous with about twenty present, are focusing on concrete products rather than concepts, unlike their usual approach in salons in Beijing and Shanghai. They are there to showcase products they already sell and convince customers of their competitiveness compared to European brands.