Visitors gather at Changan Automobile's booth at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. (Photo/Changan)
Chongqing - As the European Union moves to restrict imports of Chinese hybrid vehicles, more Chinese automakers are turning to the Paris Motor Show, one of the world’s longest-running auto events, to strengthen their European presence.
China and the EU recently reached a new understanding on hybrid vehicle trade. Under the arrangement, Chinese-made hybrid vehicles entering the EU market will face new import limits, with the annual volume expected to be capped at around 350,000 units. The move comes as Chinese-made hybrid vehicles have rapidly gained ground in the European market in recent years.
The hybrid vehicles are equipped with larger batteries that can be charged externally. They mainly use electric motors for propulsion, with a fuel-powered engine acting as a generator to supply energy to the battery.
For consumers, they combine the low energy consumption of new energy vehicles with the convenience of traditional fuel vehicles. They have become an important transition option between conventional vehicles and fully electric cars.
Changes in the structure of China’s new energy vehicle exports to Europe have also become a key factor behind the latest trade adjustment. According to data released by Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association, China exported 490,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) to the EU from January to August 2026, surpassing the 290,000 units exported in the whole of 2025.
During the same period, PHEVs accounted for 6.6% of China’s new energy vehicle exports to the EU, up from 3.9% in 2025. The figures show that plug-in hybrids are becoming a new growth driver for Chinese new energy vehicle exports to Europe.
China's auto expansion in Europe: from sales to local operations
However, changes in trade rules have not slowed Chinese automakers’ expansion into Europe. As the market becomes more complex, Chinese automakers are adjusting their overseas strategies. The 2026 Paris Motor Show offers a window into how Chinese automakers are changing their approach as they pursue global growth.
According to Xinhua, Serge Gachot, head of the Paris Motor Show, said 16 Chinese automakers, representing 25 brands including Leapmotor, BYD, and XPeng, participated in this year’s show.
Compared with the 2024 show, Chinese automakers have developed more mature product strategies. They have made continued progress not only in design, in-car technology, and digital experiences, but also in batteries, driving range, connectivity, and driver-assistance systems.
Gachot said that compared with the previous show, some Chinese brands have improved their recognition and market presence in Europe. Their development model is also shifting from exporting complete vehicles to localized operations, with production, R&D and distribution gradually expanding into Europe and becoming more integrated into the European automotive ecosystem.
Changan Automobile is one example of this trend. At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Changan showcased its three new energy brands, Nevo, Deepal and Avatr, with Nevo making its European debut.
For Changan, entering the European market is not only about increasing vehicle exports, but also about building a more comprehensive industrial presence in the region.
Zhao Fei, General Manager of China Changan Automobile Group, said at the Paris Motor Show that Changan has invested 1.18 billion euros in Europe, established eight subsidiaries, and has more than 800 employees in the region, with a localization rate exceeding 80%.
In terms of production and services, Changan is further expanding its local presence in Europe. The company plans to achieve an annual production capacity of 180,000 vehicles in Europe by 2028 and 350,000 vehicles by 2030.
Meanwhile, Changan has established more than 350 sales and service outlets across 15 European countries, along with regional parts centers and service systems to support European customers.
Seres presents its AITO brand at the Paris Motor Show 2026. (Photo/Seres)
Beyond Changan, Chongqing-based Seres has also announced its European market plans for its AITO brand. At the Paris Motor Show, AITO showcased models including the M9, M8, M7 and M6, and announced plans to enter the European market in autumn 2027.
To meet European market requirements, AITO is pursuing EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval (EU WVTA) certification and adjusting its products to European road conditions, consumer driving habits, and local regulations.