Financial Association News on October 9 (Reporter Zhang Yipeng): With less than a week before the opening of the 2024 Paris Motor Show, under the trend of new energy and intelligence, many highlights of the 90th Paris Motor Show are attracting more attention from the industry.

As one of the world's top five international auto shows, the Paris Motor Show will be held at the Paris Versailles Convention Center from October 14th to 20th, 2024. In addition to the French brands as the hosts, Chinese auto brands will also have a strong presence. The Chinese brands that will be showcased include Hongqi, GAC, SAIC Maxus, BYD Company Limited, Enovate, XPeng, Leapmotor, and Skyworth.

Following the strategic cooperation between Leapmotor and Stellantis Group on May 14 this year, establishing 'Leapmotor International' targeting the global market, Stellantis stated that at this Paris Motor Show, five Leapmotor brand models will be showcased, including the global model Leapmotor B10 based on the new B platform and positioned as a mid-to-large SUV. 'The innovative partnership between Stellantis Group and Leapmotor will be fully presented for the first time.'

Reporters have learned that currently 'Leapmotor International' is conducting launch activities for T03 and C10 in Europe, and plan to expand its global sales channels to 350 outlets (excluding Greater China) by the end of this year. 'More than 2,000 Leapmotor C10 and T03 vehicles have been sent to Europe, with a sales target of 6,000-7,000 units this year. In the following three years, at least one new product will be launched globally each year,' said Leapmotor.

As the leader in the domestic auto market, this year's Paris Motor Show will naturally include the presence of BYD Company Limited. It is reported that BYD Company Limited will showcase the Dolphin 07, which is positioned against the Tesla Model Y. The vehicle has been launched in China with a starting price of 1.898 million yuan and is planned to enter the European market in 2025. 'Chinese models like BYD are gradually strengthening in Europe. BYD sold 2,071 units in France from January to August this year, with 129 units in August, showing huge growth potential in the future,' said Cui Dongshu, Secretary General of the CCC.

Apart from the Chinese brands, European brands will also come in full force at this year's show. The Renault Group will bring its four major brands: Renault, Dacia, Alpine, and Mobilize, with new hydrogen products among them. BMW Group has confirmed its return to the Paris Motor Show, with BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad making a concentrated appearance.

While continuing to increase their presence in the European market, there are increasing voices from Chinese brands about building factories overseas. In addition to the long-rumored 'BYD building a factory in France,' Geely has also expressed its willingness to build a factory in Europe. 'The company is looking for a factory site in Europe, but has not fully committed to establishing a production base locally. It is not yet 100% certain (whether to build a factory in Europe or not),' revealed Li Chuanhai, Vice President of Geely Auto Group. Meanwhile, Audi is actively looking for a buyer for the factory in the Forest area of Brussels, Belgium. Although Nio Inc has denied related rumors, being acquired by a Chinese auto company may be one of the best options for the factory.