European, Chinese automakers launch product blitz at Paris car show in fight for market share

European and Chinese automakers are preparing for a product blitz at the Paris motor show, with expectations of up to 60 new models on Monday as the race for European market share intensifies. The show comes days after the EU announced an agreement with China that could cut hybrid vehicle imports by more than half, though implementation details are not yet public. About 20 Chinese brands are attending, including BYD and Chery, doubling their presence from 2024, as they battle an EV price war and weaker home sales. Jefferies projects the EU-China deal could hit BYD, Chery and state-owned SAIC’s MG brand hardest, citing 90% of Chinese-brand hybrid sales in the EU in the first eight months of 2026. Stellantis plans six new models and nine concept cars, including a retro Citroen 2CV-style affordable electric concept aimed at competition.