Mondial de l’Auto 2026: Leaks, Surprises, and Confidences Behind the Scenes of the Show
The 91st edition of this major automotive event concludes this Sunday. But we’ve already gathered numerous insiders’ tips, information, and behind-the-scenes trends. Here’s what we noted in our notepad.
So, what about this 2 CV?
"I love it," says one. "It’s ugly," says another. Opinions are divided regarding the concept car that previews the 2 CV. But we’ve rarely seen such a large crowd gathered around a single model during the first public days.
Pierre Leclercq, the design expert at Chevrons, estimates the similarity rate to be “85%, or even 90%.” This figure is often cited when concept cars are introduced to us. For example, 90% was mentioned last year regarding the Hyundai Concept THREE, which later led to the development of the Ioniq 3. So we leave it up to you to assess what might change on the Deuche in the next two years.
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We didn’t expect to see it again…
In its edition of October 8, 1948, the major daily France Soir announced the launch of the 2 CV at the same exhibition. It described it as “the Citroën that no one was expecting anymore.” This referred to the slow development of the Deuche, hindered by World War II, a Pons plan that was unfavorable to the project, and the severe shortage of materials in the postwar period.
The same phrase could apply to the new 2 CV, given how much thought Citroën put into it before it was finally realized. It is now known that this will happen before the end of the decade.
Stellantis has also confirmed that production will take place in Pomigliano d’Arco, near Naples, Italy, alongside a very likely Fiat model. The name is said to be derived from an bear species...
Provost percole
In his public statements, Renault’s CEO repeats a few key arguments. They are often the same. Since taking charge of Renault a year ago, he has repeatedly criticized what he sees as excessive environmental or safety standards for cars on the European market.
He has repeatedly brought up the issue of “108 standards” set for 2030 (here or here), estimating the additional cost per vehicle at 3,000 euros. As a result, he calls for exemptions for cars under 4.20 meters long, which are more difficult to make profitable. His stance even influences his colleagues. Dacia’s CEO, Katrin Adt, also spoke about “107 standards” in an interview this summer. Okay, but are they 107 or 108?
Maroš Šefčovič superstar
Sometimes, obviously, it works. “I’ve been saying for two years that there needs to be an agreement between China and the European Union to limit imports without shutting down Europe,” said the leader of Losange on the sidelines of the trade show. Yet, a few hours before the World Cup began, European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič secured in Beijing a cap on imports of Chinese hybrid cars.
China will be able to send only 350,000 vehicles to Europe per year until the next decade. Last year, 800,000 hybrid vehicles crossed the seas to reach ports in Livorno, Zeebrugge, or Rotterdam. “I’m glad about that,” said Provost. “It’s a good path forward,” added Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer in front of us. We will see whether the repeated slogans by François Provost continue to influence European decisions as standards evolve.
The Visitor
Emmanuel Macron made his last visit to the auto show during his term as president of the Republic. He drove a 2 CV and a Renault E-Space. But it was not just a political communication tactic. It was also meant to prepare for the European Council of heads of state and government held in Brussels, Belgium. On Thursday evening, diplomatic sources confirmed the existence of an “agreement” on a joint French-German statement regarding automobiles.
The document, revealed by Le Monde, ends the ban on internal combustion engines by 2035, allowing 10% of vehicles to emit CO₂. This was a priority for Chancellor Friedrich Merz and German automakers. In exchange, Berlin reportedly agreed to temporary exemptions for commercial vehicles. More importantly, there are guarantees for “made in Europe” vehicles, with preferential access to incentives, subsidies, and government contracts for those whose local value content is at least “70% of the production cost (…) in components other than batteries.” The launch of new models pales in comparison to these seismic developments.
Willys is back
Jeep had announcements to make. On Monday morning, its new European boss, Xavier Peugeot, spoke in front of a group of journalists, including the author. After confirming the upcoming return of the Renegade to a multi-energy platform, he used some euphemisms to convey his message: “It goes without saying that having Willys is a key element for our future.”
Understandably, Jeep is preparing a rebirth of the legendary Willys, which arrived on our shores with the Normandy landings. “Give us some time,” continued the new boss, refusing to disclose details about the platforms, dimensions, factories, prices, or the vehicle’s potential off-road capabilities.
According to our information, it would be a compact vehicle – the original Willys MB was 3.33 meters long – likely based on the same basic platform that will also support the Citroën 2 CV. We’ll probably have to wait until 2030. Will it be possible to move the windshield to the hood?
What the E-Space Says
The Renault E-Space concept aims to update the idea of a “living car,” dear to the brand’s identity. But it is also (and perhaps mainly?) about introducing the OpenR Panorama. This name refers to the new curved panoramic glass panel that runs from one side pillar to another. It measures 1.13 meters in the concept car.
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It will primarily be integrated into the next generations of Rafale or Scénic by the end of the decade. This brings Renault closer to Peugeot with its curved screen on the e-3008. Other brands choose different approaches. Take BMW or Xiaomi, two brands that didn’t have a booth at Porte de Versailles. The iX3 or YU7 project the instrumentation onto the windshield to create the same sense of width... We’ll see who wins this debate.
Volkswagen (really) not interested
Citroën 2 CV, the Jeep Willys project, hints from Fiat or Dacia. Could VW join the ranks of European kei-cars as well? We asked Thomas Schäfer, Volkswagen’s CEO.
“No”
There was then a long silence.
"Next year, we will launch the ID.1, which is a compact car (its length will be around 3.90 meters, similar to the Renault 5). In Europe, the main market corresponds roughly to the size of the Polo, or slightly larger. That’s also where we can make money. Going smaller isn’t very attractive. And in terms of our product lineup distribution, we’re already well-covered in this segment with the ID. Cross, ID. Polo, and ID.1. Launching another model below that makes no sense. If I had to choose, I’d prefer to focus on a larger model."
That’s clear.
Larger Size
Let’s move on to something at least understandable. The Smart booth features a huge foot inserted into a white shoe. The approximately 5-meter-tall leg is placed between the #2 models, serving as the main attraction for visitors. But what is Geely’s brand, in collaboration with Mercedes, trying to tell us? It’s true that the strategy isn’t very clear, given the launch of large SUVs and declining sales (around 13,000 units registered in Europe last year).
Chinese cars
We observed the audience at the BYD, Li Auto, Geely, Xpeng, and even Forthing booths. There was clear interest, with people touching the plastics and asking questions of the sales staff and spokespersons... The exhibition features about twenty Chinese exhibitors, accounting for one-third of all manufacturers present.
Geely’s Growth
The Chinese brand brought its E2 to Paris, the European version of the Geely Xingyuan. This model was the best-selling vehicle in the People’s Republic during the first half of the year, with nearly 200,000 units sold (!). While its design might seem unremarkable by Western standards, the quality of its interior construction deserves recognition.
The brand has just achieved its thousandth registration in the French market. Will this small stream grow into a mighty river?
BYD in France?
BYD is already a powerful force in our market. Stella Li, the vice president of the company that produces 4 million cars per year, said on BFM-Business: “We are closely examining the possibility of establishing a factory in France.” Among the advantages of potential industrialization there, she cited the relatively low cost of energy compared to some neighbors.
It doesn’t cost her much to flatter us. But competition will be fierce with our neighbors.
Flood of concepts
Hall 4 is largely occupied by Stellantis. The group brought as many as six concept cars to the Porte de Versailles. Their levels of development or statements varied greatly. Here, a stylish Citroën 2 CV showcases what the future affordable car might look like. Elsewhere, the highly eco-friendly Fiat Multiplay explores, as its name suggests, the possibility of a return of the Multipla model. Over there, the Opel STX is an interior-free prototype designed to evoke the future Astra station wagon.
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Skeptics pointed out that the only “real” new models were the DS 7, Fiat Grizzly, and Lancia Gamma.
The introduction of the STLA One platform next year — on the future Peugeot 208 — is expected to revitalize the group’s product strategy.
Piano black
The Grizzly and Gamma share the extensive use of black lacquered plastics on the central console. These materials are often referred to as piano black. Other manufacturers seem to have largely moved away from this trend. The Audi A2 is an example, where fabrics stretched over flexible surfaces cover the interior. Concepts like the Renault E-Space even indicate a greater use of such materials.
Textiles are fantastic.
Commercial Vehicles
For manufacturers, the World Motor Show also serves as an early indicator of market trends. On Tuesday, sales teams were ready to get visitors to sign purchase orders. At a renowned manufacturer, ahead of the launch of a major new model, we were told that salespeople had already exceeded their targets. This shows that cars continue to be sold even during the events at Porte de Versailles. It might even be more important than just creating dreams.
Photo credit: Joris Clerc