After the "First Contact" Failed

Electrification—if one word were to summarize the Paris Motor Show 2018, held from October 2nd to 14th, it would be this French term for "electrification."

DS Automobiles, PSA's premium brand, aims to electrify all its models by 2025. The three models unveiled for the first time globally at the show were all either full EVs or plug-in hybrids.

Smart, from Daimler, which has declared its intention to make all its cars full EVs by 2020, unveiled the "Fourfour," an open EV concept hinting at the arrival of such an era.See Concept Cars



For reference, according to the UK's Autocar magazine, Jaguar is also considering a transition to becoming a full EV manufacturer.

In Paris, the car-sharing system "Autolib," which the private company Bolloré attempted to popularize for about seven years, ended in July 2018. This was likely influenced by accumulated deficits and the rise of ride-sharing services represented by Uber.

Although this "first contact" between EVs and users ended in failure, the city of Paris plans to completely ban internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030.

In that sense, Paris holds the potential to continue being Europe's most exciting testing ground for EVs. This motor show can be seen as its prelude.

An Era of Brands from Former Colonies and Concessions Arriving

Another notable aspect of this year's Paris show was the premiere of the latest models presented in an exclusive setting.

For example, Audi showcased the "PB18 e-tron" EV sports concept car (see Concept Cars), which was exhibited at Pebble Beach in August, and also brought the production EV "e-tron," announced at a press event in Los Angeles in September.

Mercedes-Benz similarly displayed the production EV "EQC," unveiled at a press event in September. Ferrari presented its "Icona" special series for the first time to the public, the "Monza SP1" and "Monza SP2," which were revealed at an investor event on September 18th.

If they can establish the ability to see these types of cars early as a selling point, Paris can maintain its entertainment value.



Meanwhile, local media were paying attention to brands from emerging countries.

Specifically, this refers to Vietnamese automaker VinFast, whose parent company is the largest private enterprise in Vietnam, Vingroup. For their entry into the automotive industry, they enlisted the design and engineering expertise of Italy's Pininfarina.

Two vehicles, an SUV and a sedan, were displayed at their booth, and the event was enlivened by the presence of "Miss Vietnam."



According to individuals involved in the development, their future vision is as follows: first, generate buzz in Europe. Then, leveraging that success, advance into China, the world's largest automotive market. It's a strategy akin to playing billiards.

Meanwhile, China's GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group) held the world premiere of its SUV, the "GS5," on the first press day. This manufacturer, founded just ten years ago in 2008, is now eyeing an entry into the European market.

It is quite telling that cars from countries historically dominated by France as colonies or concessions are now being showcased, isn't it?

Let the Show Be an Independent Exhibition

To digress, the "Salon des Indépendants," one of Paris's representative art exhibitions, is known for featuring artists who later became famous, such as Henri Matisse. It is an exhibition without a jury or prizes. Historical photographs from before World War II show artists carrying their own works into the Grand Palais, the venue.

The Grand Palais also hosted the Paris Motor Show until the 1950s. Historical photos reveal a vast number of manufacturers and carrossiers (custom body builders). Unlike today, the stands were extremely simple.



At the time, automobiles were incredibly luxurious items, making a simple comparison with the Salon des Indépendants difficult. However, it is evident that the barrier to exhibiting at the motor show was considerably lower than it is today.

Jean-Claude Giraud, the chairman of the Paris Motor Show 2018, has expressed his enthusiasm for inviting emerging Asian brands.

If a venue can be realized where diverse manufacturers and carrossiers can bring their latest works, much like before the war, it might establish its raison d'être as an "independent exhibition" among the world's motor shows. This thought occurred on an autumn day in Paris.

To Paris Motor Show 2018 Concept Cars