Paris Motor Show 2026: New Cars & CMF Trends
Published 27 October 2026
Craig Thomas
The 91st Mondial de l'Auto (October 12-18) was the strongest Paris show in a decade, bucking the declining trend for US and European car shows. With over 60 manufacturers present, exhibitor numbers were significantly up compared to the previous edition, while Chinese brands doubled to 20. The dominant themes were affordable electric vehicles and heritage-led design, highlighting how European manufacturers are leveraging both accessibility and legacy to maintain differentiation.
Heritage Refreshed
Rethinking the Family Car
China's New Wave
Small Cars Lead the Pack
CMF Trends
European carmakers are turning to their archives to distinguish themselves from an expanding roster of Chinese rivals, ushering in a wave of heritage-inspired models. The revival of the Citroën 2 CV, one of automotive history’s most iconic cars, epitomises how legacy brands are leveraging heritage and nostalgia to defend market share.
European carmakers are turning to their archives to distinguish themselves from an expanding roster of Chinese rivals, ushering in a wave of heritage-inspired models. The revival of the Citroën 2 CV, one of automotive history’s most iconic cars, epitomises how legacy brands are leveraging heritage and nostalgia to defend market share.
The Paris show suggested that the MPVs (people carriers) that were so popular with consumers 20 years ago, before the rise of the SUV, are back.
This year’s Paris show had 20 Chinese brands exhibiting, many new to Europe and fighting for market share with some intriguing vehicles.
Framed by the EU’s new M1E e-car category – an ultra-compact, affordable electric vehicle class, inspired by Japan's famous kei car regulations for keeping mobility affordable and fit for narrow roads – European manufacturers showed a raft of new small electric cars.
Colour returned to the motor show floor, replacing the monochrome palette of recent years in favour of an abundance of shades and material interest. While colour was defined by light-shifting paints, heritage cues and bold cabin palettes, materials saw a shift to bio-based, textile-led and visibly recycled surfaces, including straw marquetry, 3D-knitted fabrics and regenerated leather.
Paris Motor Show 2026: New Cars & CMF Trends
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Paris Motor Show 2026: New Cars & CMF Trends
The 91st Mondial de l'Auto (October 12-18) was the strongest Paris show in a decade, bucking the declining trend for US and European car shows. With over 60 manufacturers present, exhibitor numbers were significantly up compared to the previous...