At the upcoming 2026 Paris Motor Show, nearly 20 Chinese automaker brands are slated to participate, making up roughly one-third of all vehicle brands on display—a scale that is unprecedented. Many of these Chinese brands have already laid out plans for localization and high-end development in Europe. Meanwhile, established German automakers such as BMW, MINI, and Porsche will be notably absent, whereas Volkswagen is set to make a high-profile return and has called on Europe to present a united front in the face of competition from the Chinese automotive industry.

Over the past two decades, Chinese automakers have evolved from attending European auto shows primarily to learn, to now effectively reversing roles with their European counterparts. German vehicle sales in China have seen a decline, while Chinese automakers, capitalizing on their comprehensive industrial supply chain and competitively refined capabilities, have swiftly increased their market share in Western Europe. Their presence has reached levels comparable to those of Japanese automakers and has even penetrated the German domestic market.

The relationship between Chinese and European automakers has also undergone a transformation, shifting from a one-way pursuit to a dynamic mix of competition and cooperation. In response to the rapid expansion of Chinese automobiles, Europe has erected barriers through measures such as imposing anti-subsidy tariffs and restricting the import of hybrid vehicles, all while advancing policies to promote local manufacturing. Chinese automakers, in turn, are adjusting their strategies by establishing local production facilities in Europe.

The European automotive industry still needs to leverage its accumulated strengths and develop product technologies tailored for the new energy vehicle sector to truly compete on a global scale.