Record Chinese turnout puts European carmakers under pressure at Paris show

A record 20 Chinese car brands are set to attend next week’s Paris Motor Show, highlighting how quickly Chinese automakers have become a competitive force in Europe, even as trade barriers rise. The European industry will use the show to unveil new models and reassure investors it can keep pace, as Chinese rivals win share with a wider portfolio of electric vehicles and hybrids. This year’s Chinese presence is double that of the 2024 show, including BYD and Chery alongside newcomers such as Aito and Avatr. Schmidt Automotive Research data shows Chinese brands held 10.7% of the European market in Q2, up from 5.7% a year earlier.