Chinese Carmakers Make Up Half Paris Show Exhibitors, Were Absent From Macron Dinner

Chinese carmakers were highly visible at the Paris Motor Show, where their presence contrasted with their absence from a dinner attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and around 60 European automotive industry players. Macron visited the motor show the next day, making the Chinese manufacturers difficult to miss at the event.

Chinese marques make up half of exhibitors

Allianz Trade said in a report that Chinese marques accounted for half of the exhibitors at this year’s show. Their strong representation came as the companies dealt with the fallout from a China-EU agreement aimed at curbing the growth of China’s hybrid and plug-in hybrid automotive exports to the bloc.

The agreement has added a policy backdrop to the Chinese manufacturers’ appearance in Paris, even as they continue to present themselves as potential contributors to Europe’s automotive industry. They are increasingly learning to speak the language of European politicians by highlighting their commitment to investing in Europe and creating jobs, according to the report.

Warning over production shifts

A Chinese executive said an EU cap could trigger a worrying “stampede” as manufacturers relocate production lines. The warning points to the possible significance of the import curbs for where automotive production is carried out, although the source does not identify the executive or specify the proposed cap.

The Paris show therefore offered Chinese carmakers a prominent platform at a time when their exports to Europe are facing new constraints. Their visibility at the event, alongside their emphasis on investment and jobs, showed how they are seeking to engage with European political and industrial concerns.

Source: South China Morning Post