Full Breakdown
Chinese Automakers Make Historic Debut at 2026 Paris Motor Show
By Drooid · · How we work
Record-setting Presence of Chinese Brands
The 2026 Paris International Motor Show featured 25 Chinese automobile brands from 16 manufacturers, outnumbering the combined French and German entries for the first time. Geely Auto Group presented its three marques—Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr—together on the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles floor. The event marked the European debut of the Lynk & Co 07GT and the Geely Monjaro EM-i, while Zeekr showcased the Zeekr 9X luxury SUV, now open for orders with deliveries slated for January 2027.
Geely’s Multi-Brand Expansion Strategy
Geely’s group-level appearance highlighted a coordinated push across mainstream, premium, and luxury segments. The brand now operates in 27 European countries, supported by more than 450 sales and service locations. In September 2026, Geely, Lynk & Co and Zeekr together sold over 10,000 vehicles in the European Union during a single month, a first-time milestone for the trio.
Chinese New-Energy Vehicle Production Surge
Domestic demand underpins the overseas push. According to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, Chinese manufacturers produced 7.438 million new-energy vehicles (NEVs) in the first half of 2026 and sold 7.446 million, reflecting year-on-year growth of 6.7 percent in production and 7.3 percent in sales. NEVs accounted for nearly half of all new vehicle sales in China during that period, underscoring the sector’s rapid expansion.
Implications for the European Market
The scale of Chinese participation and the introduction of new models signal a deepening of competition in Europe’s automotive landscape. With a growing network of dealerships and a proven sales record in the EU, Geely’s brands are positioned to challenge established European manufacturers across multiple price tiers.
Future Outlook
Zeekr’s flagship 9X will begin deliveries in early 2027, while the Geely Monjaro EM-i and Lynk & Co 07GT are expected to enter European showrooms later in the year. Continued growth in Chinese NEV production suggests that additional models may follow, further intensifying the market dynamics between Chinese and European automakers.