The Paris Motor Show, celebrating its 90th edition in 2024 and its second consecutive year since COVID-19 paused global exhibitions, was an electrifying affair, drawing nearly 600,000 attendees over its six-day run.
Officially known as Mondial de l’Auto, the event once again took place at the Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles in Paris, spotlighting both traditional giants and pioneering concepts with an eco-conscious edge.
Renault Group, a dominant French force in the industry, led the charge on the floor, introducing several new electric and hydrogen-powered models.
This included the much-anticipated Renault 4 E-Tech electric hatch, a bold addition to Renault’s lineup, and the Emblème FCEV concept, aiming to achieve a 90 percent reduction in carbon emissions throughout its lifecycle.
The group’s electric lineup was further bolstered by the debut of the Estafette van, an electric utility vehicle sized to rival both the Kangoo and Trafic, and the hydrogen-powered Master H2-Tech van, boasting a notable 700 kilometers of range from a rapid five-minute refuel.
Beyond Renault’s main lineup, Alpine, the brand’s high-performance subsidiary, stole the show with its futuristic A390_β electric concept, a high-riding sport fastback designed for urban thrill-seekers.
Alpine’s lineup was rounded out by the limited-edition A110 R Ultime and the captivating Alpenglow Hy6 concept.
Powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that runs on direct-injected hydrogen, the Alpenglow produces 550kW and integrates high-pressure hydrogen tanks, making it a standout in both aesthetics and innovation.
Renault’s new brand, Mobilize, also made waves with its quadricycle concepts, lightweight vehicles aimed at city commuting that serve as a conceptual successor to the Twizy, though Australian regulatory hurdles may prevent these models from reaching the continent.
For Stellantis, the spotlight was largely on Citroën, whose new-generation e-C3 Aircross and the facelifted C4 gave the crowd a glimpse of the brand’s updated, whimsical styling.
Citroën also unveiled a concept preview of its second-generation C5 Aircross and a reimagined Ami city EV.
The event featured DS Automobiles, Citroën’s luxury arm, which showcased its one-off SM Tribute at the Paris event after it first appeared at the Chantilly Arts & Elegance in September.
Peugeot contributed with refreshed electric offerings, including the e-408, e-3008, and e-5008 SUVs, designed with extended battery capacities that promise around 700 kilometers of range, catering to drivers seeking both sustainability and convenience.
Another notable exhibitor was Škoda, which introduced the Elroq, its third EV following the Citigo-e iV and the Enyaq, and is expected to reach Australian shores by mid-2025. Offering an impressive 580-kilometer range, the Elroq is a compact yet capable addition to the EV landscape.
Other international brands, including Audi, BYD, and Dacia, added to the vibrant display, collectively reflecting the global automotive industry’s commitment to sustainability.
As Australia anticipates the revival of the Melbourne Motor Show in 2025, industry experts are looking to Paris for inspiration on how to reignite public enthusiasm for automotive exhibitions.
With bold designs, cutting-edge technology, and a strong focus on eco-friendly solutions, the 2024 Paris Motor Show provided a powerful reminder that the future of mobility is electric and sustainable, driven by a blend of heritage and innovation.
