Citroën 2CV makes a comeback and Chinese brands swarm Paris Motor Show as Europe fights back

The 2026 Paris Motor Show at Expo Porte de Versailles has opened with Citroën's electric 2CV concept stealing the limelight, priced between €15,000 and €20,000 and due on sale in 2028 with retro styling intact — including egg-holders in the glovebox. Chinese brands including BYD, Geely, Zeekr, Omoda and Chery arrived in force, now accounting for around 12 per cent of total European car sales. European makers Renault and Stellantis hit back with bold new models, in what observers are calling the most significant Paris show in years. Alpine also unveiled its ultra-exclusive A310 Vision supercar, drawing on Formula One engineering.

Geely's new Monjaro SUV was the most talked-about Chinese debut, with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, minimalist interior and an eight-year, 125,000-mile warranty.

The 2CV's retro Fourgonnette van concept, with a boxy back end, was described as an instant hit with mobile coffee traders.