Chinese automakers will make up a record share of the 2026 Paris Motor Show, with 20 of the approximately 60 automakers exhibiting at the event coming from China. That represents roughly one-third of the brands with automotive stands, compared with 10 Chinese brands at the 2024 show.

The biennial event begins next week in Paris, where around 100 exhibitors are expected to take part. The growing Chinese presence reflects the brands’ expanding position in Europe, where Chinese vehicles now account for more than 10 percent of new-car sales.

Established and newer Chinese brands

BYD, Geely, Chery, Jaecoo and Leapmotor are already familiar to European buyers and have been gaining market share across the continent. They will be joined in Paris by brands including Li Auto, Aito, Aion and 212, which may be less familiar to show visitors.

The Chinese contingent will not be focused exclusively on battery-electric vehicles. Following the European Union’s introduction of anti-subsidy tariffs of up to 35 percent on Chinese electric cars, Chinese automakers have increasingly promoted hybrid models. Hybrids currently face the standard 10 percent import duty rather than the additional electric-vehicle tariffs, although the EU is working on legislation intended to address that difference.

European debuts and BMW’s absence

European manufacturers will also bring new products to the show. Planned production-model debuts include the Audi A2 e-tron, Skoda Peaq, Dacia Striker and Fiat Grizzly. Renault’s E-Space and Citroën’s 2CV concepts will provide previews of potential future models.

BMW will not participate in the 2026 Paris Motor Show, despite having a new 3 Series, iX4 and X5 to display. Its absence will leave the event’s expanding Chinese presence as one of the show’s defining developments.