Chinese Carmakers, Once a Sideshow, Take Center Stage at Paris Motor Show
With the spotlight on car giants like General Motors and Toyota, visitors to the Paris Motor Show in 2006 might have missed two newcomers: Landwind and Great Wall Motor from China.Two decades later, no one could possibly overlook Chinese carmakers at the biennial gathering.China’s ambition is palpable throughout the sprawling Paris Expo Porte de Versailles this week.More than 20 Chinese brands are showing off their designs and seeking to strengthen their European ties.
One company, GAC, publicized a partnership with Chelsea F.C., the Premier League soccer club.Another, BYD, promoted its sponsorship deal with the hometown team, Paris St.-Germain.
Geely introduced a hybrid electric-gasoline sport utility vehicle with a “born for Europe” slogan.Despite Europe’s efforts to curb an influx of China’s low-cost cars, Chinese companies show no signs of slowing down.Shut out of the United States and facing weak demand at home, they are aiming to build on their rapid gains in Europe and expand local production to stay ahead of tougher trade restrictions.Xpeng is one example.
The Chinese company is taking an “in-Europe, for-Europe” approach, He Xiaopeng, a co-founder, said in a speech on Tuesday.The company plans to focus on “localizing” production in Europe as it moves toward a target of selling about 500,000 vehicles a year in the region by 2030.
Xpeng is open to sharing its technology with European companies, he said.“We want to have deeper collaboration in Europe,” he said.Anne-Laure Paulic is one potential customer.She and her family might replace their BMW — and buy their first Chinese car.
Ms.Paulic, a consultant, and her husband took the train to Paris from their home in Brittany in northwest France to check out the newest models.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.
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