Renault led commercial activity at the Paris Mondial de l’Automobile, pulling in 60 orders per day. Meanwhile, Chinese automakers like BYD and Xpeng drove aggressive expansions, filling order books across a bustling Porte de Versailles exhibition hall.
Driven by rising fuel pump prices and a flood of new electrified models, the 2026 Mondial de l’Automobile at the Porte de Versailles saw order books fill at an average pace of nearly 240 vehicles per day, according to event reporting. With more than 500,000 visitors anticipated, the exhibition functioned as a sales engine where automakers sought to convert curious onlookers into buyers.
Renault Leads as Chinese Automakers Push for Market Share
Renault captured the top spot with 60 sales per day, though competitors remained close behind. Exhibitors displayed massive stands, with Chinese manufacturers occupying one-third of the 60 total exhibitor slots. These brands paired striking lighting, music, and scenography with prices averaging 20 percent lower than European models.
Dorothée Bonassies, directrice générale de la marque BYD France, reported a 150% growth rate compared to the previous year, highlighting a rapid dealer network expansion. It is true that we are seeing strong acceleration in this year 2026. It is truly a turning point. We are up by more than 150% compared to last year, but we are also moving quickly on network development in France,
Bonassies stated, noting that the brand aimed to increase its French dealership count from 130 to 200 by the end of the year.
Dorothée Bonassies, managing director of the BYD France brand, noted that It is very important for building the French public’s trust in a brand. They need to see us, we need to be present across French territory. So with 130 dealerships today, the goal is to reach 200 by the end of the year. Things are moving very fast.
Test Drives and Economic Pressures Drive Conversions
100 test vehicles were stationed in the Hall 6 parking lot—a number record by comparison to the 45 of the 2014 edition—allowing visitors to drive models directly from the salon. Serge Gachot, directeur général du Mondial de l’Auto, highlighted the logistical scale of the test setup. While 28% of expected visitors arrived with a car replacement project planned within 12 months, that conversion metric jumped past 50% among those who completed a test drive.
Brands structured sales tactics around the foot traffic. Skoda targeted 200 sales for the week, supported by 12 dedicated salespeople and eight private rooms. Julien Bessière, directeur général de Skoda France, pointed to surging demand for electric options like the new Epiq alongside sustained interest in traditional combustion engines and hybrids.
European Heritage and Regional Production Responses
European manufacturers countered Asian pricing pressure by leaning into historical brand identity and localized assembly. Citroën highlighted a modernized, acid-orange version of its 2 CV model. We need emotion, we need a zest for life, and that is what this car expresses,
explained Caroline Malléus, head of product and strategy at Citroën and DS.
Meanwhile, Chinese groups adapted to regulatory pressures by securing local production footprints. Lionel French-Keogh, directeur du groupe Chery France, explained that the group acquired a factory in Barcelona, Spain, to manufacture vehicles specifically for the European market.