Success of the 2026 World Motor Show: French people still love cars, even electric ones
Nearly 520,000 people visited the booths at the 2026 Auto World Expo, a record high. Given this success, the 2028 edition is expected to be extended.
The Auto World Expo has now come to an end. The exhibition closed its doors on Sunday, October 18, after a day dedicated to the press and six days open to the public. And the public showed up in large numbers. According to organizers, there were 518,372 visitors—a remarkable figure for such a short duration and representing a (slight) increase compared to the 2024 edition.
The success of 2024 prompted many automakers to return to Paris. Among those returning in 2026 are Fiat, Hyundai, Mercedes, and Opel. New brands seeking recognition also joined, especially Chinese ones like Chery, with the American company Lucid as well.
Although there were some notable absences (such as Toyota and BMW, which ultimately withdrew due to financial difficulties), the show regained its former glory. It was a remarkable achievement, considering it was thought doomed after the cancellation of the 2020 edition due to Covid and a 2022 edition with very few brands participating. The organizers persevered and managed to turn the event back into a major automotive show, while other historic events failed to survive the pandemic (such as Detroit in the United States or Geneva in Europe).
This success is a mockery to those with self-doubt about the industry, yet it’s almost a paradox given the sector’s difficulties and the purchasing power crisis affecting French people, who are particularly hit by soaring fuel prices. It was also an opportunity to see this famous electric car that keeps setting sales records and has obviously dominated the exhibition booths. Clearly, this year other types of engines were pushed to the background.
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This success is also proof that cars remain a French passion, that such an exhibition still attracts those looking for new models, allowing them to see around sixty brands in one place, as well as those who simply wish to dream. Although the exhibition booths are less grand than in the past, brands have increased their entertainment offerings to delight children and adults alike.
The Mondial will return in 2028. Organizers are announcing an extended edition with a second weekend, but it should be remembered that this was proposed for the 2026 edition before being forgotten. Automakers likely prefer the shorter format to keep costs down.
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