Paris Car Show; Europe Accelerates, But China Is Winning

Sales are accelerating at the Paris Car Show, but China is capturing most of the upside. Chinese brands have doubled to 20 exhibitors versus the 2024 show, with smaller names such as Aito, Avatr (from Changan) and NEVO joining BYD, Chery and Geely. GlobalData forecasts Western Europe sales rising in September at the fastest pace in nine years, with full-year growth of 3.8% to more than 12.2 million vehicles. Still, European automakers are “unmoved” because Chinese manufacturers lead the gains. Center of Automotive Management data cited says that of roughly 500,000 additional sales in Europe from January to August, 419,000 (84%) went to Chinese groups, with Tesla adding 58,000. Projections also point to EU growth after weak prior years, while European brands respond with new models and concepts.