Falling back on their heritage and the legacy specific models have established over decades seems to be a strategy for European manufacturers to try and neutralise the tsunami of Chinese vehicles, especially full-electric vehicles (EVs), being set loose on Europe’s roads.
The question is whether this path will be enough to draw customers back to European brands, and probably one that only time will tell is successful, if coupled with enough substance “under the bonnet,” so to speak.
The Paris Motor Show is a biennial event, meaning it is held every two years, with an expected attendance of around 500 000 visitors looking at the changing automotive landscape.
It comes as no surprise that electric vehicles keep dominating the stage.
Alfa Romeo:
Probably the most beautiful car shown was the Alfa Romeo Cuorerosso. Planned for full-electric, plug-in hybrid, mild-hybrid and full-hybrid derivatives, the epitome of performance can be imagined through a 2.9-litre V6 full-hybrid powertrain, paired with Q4 all-wheel drive, a torque converter and a carbon-fibre driveshaft.
Fiat:
An old friend returns. The Fiat Multipla explores a new approach to family mobility, combining the space of an MPV, the character of an SUV and the functionality of a pick-up in 4.45 metres. The Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback are two new family cars offered with a range of petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains. The spotlight was also on the Grande Panda, 500 Cabrio and 600 Sport, showcasing the different sides of a range designed to meet a variety of mobility needs. Also on display was the Topolino, Europe’s best-selling electric quadricycle, showcased in three distinctive versions: Sport, Corallo and the open-top Verde Vita.
Leapmotor:
Leapmotor showed the B03 urban hatchback, new to the family, bringing accessible innovation, advanced connectivity and electric urban practicality, it claims. The D19 showcases the next evolution of Leapmotor technology, combining flagship luxury vision with state-of-the-art intelligent features. Leapmotor reinforces its long-term commitment to Europe through local production of the best-selling B10.
Citroën:
Citroën presented the 2 CV Fourgonnette Concept alongside the 2 CV Concept, a free-spirited, contemporary take on an iconic silhouette that left an indelible mark on the history of compact commercial vehicles, now in electric form. This design study was created by Citroën’s designers to reinterpret the spirit of the 2 CV Fourgonnette for today’s needs in an endearing vehicle brimming with character. The 2 CV Concept embodies the vision for a model that the brand will unveil within the next two years. Manufactured in Europe, it aims for a starting price of around €15,000 (or roughly R277 000) and will comply with future e-car regulations.
Opel:
Opel’s visionary study, the Opel STC Concept, showed the evolution of estate design. It was also the world premiere of its Formula E GEN4 racing car, the Opel GSE 27FE, in final world championship livery. Also shown was the Opel Corsa GSE that demonstrates pure electric power for everyday use and the first appearance of the new Opel Astra GSE Line. For the young SUV family, there was the Grandland Electric AWD, Frontera Electric Extended Range and Mokka GSE, which showcased Opel’s diverse range of all-electric models.
Peugeot:
Peugeot showed its RCZ VISION, described as the ultimate expression of the brand’s “Feline Future” design language, built around five key principles: Freedom, Courage, Elegance, Strength and Instinct. It has an electric powertrain delivering 368 kW and up to 600 km of driving range, with the battery’s state of charge rising from 10% to 80% in just 10 minutes, thanks to a 110 mm solid-state battery and a 1 000 V architecture. Also shown was the E-T16 Concept that pays tribute to, and celebrates, the achievements of the iconic 205 T16, World Rally Champion in 1985 and 1986. Extreme technology and performance provide ultimate driving pleasure with 600 kW and acceleration from 0 to 300 km/h in 16 seconds, making it the most powerful Peugeot in history.
Changan:
Changan introduced its NEVO brand to Europe at the show under the theme “Firmly Rooted, Growing Together.” Three models are confirmed for South Africa: the NEVO Q05, the NEVO Q06 and the facelifted Deepal S07, alongside a new S07 PHEV. Changan also showed the AVATR Concept T09, a tech-luxury flagship SUV, for the first time.
South Africa has taken important steps to position itself within the global electric vehicle (EV) industry, but industry stakeholders argue that further policy adjustments are needed if the country is to accelerate adoption and support long-term investment in clean transport infrastructure.
Dealer excellence was recognised at the Mahindra South Africa Dealer Conference Awards Evening, where dealerships were acknowledged for their performance across retail sales, commercial vehicles, customer satisfaction, aftersales and other areas of the business.
The current oil and fuel crisis is easier to understand when the global energy supply chain is viewed as a network rather than simply a question of how much oil the world produces.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
The current oil and fuel crisis is easier to understand when the global energy supply chain is viewed as a network rather than simply a question of how much oil the world produces.
Building a new dealership, modernising an ageing workshop or preparing for the latest OEM facility audit often means coordinating multiple suppliers, contractors and installation teams. Bright Focus offers a simpler approach, providing everything from workshop equipment and parts storage to service reception solutions and EV-ready facilities through a single point of contact.
South African Auto Week 2026 opened in Durban on Tuesday, 13 October, with transformation and skills development among the key issues for the automotive industry, highlighted by an Absa Group investment of R13.5 million in the Automotive Business Council | naamsa’s Dreams Academy.
