Transition

The Paris Motor Show "Mondial de l'Automobile 2018" was held from October 2nd to 14th. For this edition, marking the 120th anniversary of its first show and the 88th overall, the event underwent a bold transformation akin to a model change.

One change was the merger with the motorcycle show, previously held in odd-numbered years. Furthermore, the exhibition "Mondial Tech," focusing on technologies such as autonomous driving commuters, and "CES Unveiled Paris," the European kickoff event for CES in Las Vegas, were held concurrently.

Additionally, test drives of new cars were available in Paris's Place de la Concorde during the public viewing period.

Jean-Claude Girod, the executive manager of the event and a former captain of the French Kendo national team, had diligently visited countries including Japan since the previous year to solicit corporate participation. Despite these efforts, the number of participating brands decreased by 17, an unprecedented situation that even saw Volkswagen abstain.

However, once the doors opened, the total number of visitors reached 1,068,194. Considering that the public viewing period was shortened from 16 days in 2016 to 11 days, this slight decrease compared to the previous show can be considered a strong performance.

Paris also maintained its tradition of "the highest number of visitors among the five major shows." Amidst a dramatic transition in the identity of motor shows worldwide, the world's oldest motor show managed to preserve its dignity.

Chanson DJ Remix?

Of the three pavilions occupied by four-wheel manufacturers, the French brands, as usual, took up residence in Pavilion 1.

Peugeot's unveiled "e-Legend Concept" incorporates all the trendy elements: full EV, customization, connectivity, and autonomous driving. However, its motif is the 504 Coupe (1969-1983), once designed by Pininfarina.

The interior is also dominated by traditional materials like velvet and wood. According to Peugeot, these are intended to soothe occupants from the clamor of digitalization.

Despite this rebellion against excessive digitalization, a sound system is present, featuring the French high-quality audio manufacturer "Focal."

The affluent early adopters of EVs are likely individuals with an appreciation for automotive history and brand legacy.

At the same time, seeing this "e-Legend Concept" reminded me of Nissan's "IDx Freeflow" exhibited at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. It was a creation by young designers from overseas design centers, inspired by the legendary 510 Bluebird.

Considering this, it's plausible that such retro designs hold appeal even for generations unfamiliar with the originals, much like how old chansons are revived through DJ remixes.

Targeting the Executive Resort

Renault, celebrating its 120th anniversary, the same age as the motor show, also attempted a bold approach from a different angle with EV and autonomous driving.

The concept car displayed at the center of the booth is named "EZ-Ultimo." Equipped with "Level 4" autonomous driving capabilities, this vehicle offers a "premium journey" in specific locations.

Renault intends to offer this vehicle primarily in a B2B style. For example, they propose it to airlines for door-to-door service between home and airport for first and business class passengers.

It is also promoted as a means of transport for guests at luxury resorts. During his presentation, Vice President of Design L. van den Acker mentioned "Evian Resort" and "Club Med" as specific collaborators.

For the latter, transportation within the "Executive Collection" in Sicily, Italy, is envisioned. Personally, I feel it would be a shame to travel in an autonomous capsule without experiencing the real sensations of the bustling southern dialect echoing in the streets, or the Sirocco winds carrying North African sand from the Mediterranean.

However, when viewed as mobility for celebrities, the shaded interior would likely provide a comfortable cocoon-like experience.

Regarding autonomous mobility, Toyota announced its transformation into a mobility company in January 2018 at CES in Las Vegas with the unveiling of the "e-Palette Concept," which has various commercial applications. Following suit, Renault's "EZ-Pro," unveiled in September 2018 at the commercial vehicle show in Hanover, Germany, also envisioned urban delivery services.

However, this time, the proposal is for mobility in executive and resort settings. This aligns perfectly with the cultural context that France, a nation of vacations, has cultivated over many years.

An Antithesis to the Germans

Although we will touch upon this in the upcoming production car section, the premium EV market has virtually been Tesla's blue ocean. However, at this Paris show, the entry of German brands signaled a rapid shift towards a red ocean.

In this context, the concepts presented by the "e-Legend Concept" and "EZ-Ultimo" represent a promising direction for French brands to survive in the EV era.

Naturally, as these are concept cars designed for show impact, the approach in future production models may differ.

However, as an antithesis to the German brands showcasing their technology, the proposals from both French brands have allowed us to dream of an EV era filled with emotion.

To the Paris Motor Show 2018 Production Car Edition