Paris Motor Show 2024 Round-up - Stellantis, BYD, Alpine, MINI Plus a Touch of Nostalgia...

The Paris Motor Show 2024 is up and running, with a number of major automotive companies, as well as smaller brands, showing off their new models and innovations. 

Stellantis brands - Citroën, Peugeot and Alfa Romeo - have all presented new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) with customer-focused performance and range.

In addition, the show has seen the debut of Leapmotor Internaitonal - the company's joint venture dedicated to bringing Chinese automaker Leapmotor’s affordable electric vehicles (EVs) to global markets outside Greater China.

Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO. states: “In spite of the headwinds around the world, consumers continue to select brands with environmentally friendly vehicles that deliver performance, style and stellar driving experiences. We embrace the challenges ahead of us and recognize the deep responsibility we have to our customers around the world, to France and to providing clean, safe and affordable mobility.”

Renault's Alpine brand has presented the Alpenglow Hy6 concept, featuring a V6 internal combustion engine developed to run on hydrogen. Alpine believes the hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine is an up-and-coming solution for racing and road use.   

Bruno Famin, VP Alpine Motorsports, says: "With the development of this brand new Hy6 V6 engine, we are demonstrating our commitment to hydrogen research, which could herald motorsport applications with high-performance levels. A solution for continuing to cultivate the passion for motor racing using a very noble V6 with remarkable specific power and a sound to thrill drivers and spectators with its maximum revs at 9,000 rpm. The Alpenglow Hy6 concept is the perfect example of what is possible to achieve the essential step of reducing carbon emissions in motorsport."

Antony Villain, VP Alpine Design, adds: "The Alpine Alpenglow concept car was brought to life in its road-going version presented earlier this year, and its expressiveness is further enhanced by the adoption of its new Hy6 powertrain. The adaptation of this V6 is a technical challenge, highlighted for all to see in a redesigned rear section. Various elements of the concept's design are evolving, sculpted by the aerodynamic imperatives implied by its new performance, while visually evoking both speed and the virtuous aspects of hydrogen."

China's BYD made its official full European debut at the Paris Auto Show just two years ago. This time around it's showcasing the SEALION 7, a mid-size pure-electric SUV.

In four-wheel-drive form it can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

The new arrival is the eighth new-energy vehicle (BEV and PHEV) to be launched by BYD in Europe.

BYD’s European Managing Director, Michael Shu, comments: “Our customers have been showing great interest in high-performance SUVs, so today, the SEALION 7 comes to Paris. Besides its Blade Battery, cell-to-body construction and our LFP battery chemistry, it is equipped with the world’s highest-speed electric motor in mass production, with a speed of 23,000RPM and 400 revolutions every single second. We are the only company to achieve such a record.”

BMW's MINI brand has unveiled two new electric models, the MINI John Cooper Works Electric and MINI John Cooper Works Aceman. Both cars provide 340Nm of torque from their 54.2kWh batteries, and offer a maximum speed of 124mph.

The battery for both models can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in under 30 minutes.

Stefan Richmann, Head of MINI, says: "With the new all-electric MINI John Cooper Works models, we are bringing the legendary performance and driving dynamics of MINI into a completely new era. We are combining the tradition and character of the MINI brand with the latest technology to create a unique driving experience that will thrill our customers."

Swiss micromobility manufacturer, Microlino, has brought a touch of nostalgia to the auto show. It's unveiled the Microlino Spiaggina, an electric summer vehicle designed to captivate both retro enthusiasts and fans of modern electric mobility.

It's inspired by iconic beach classics like the Fiat 600 Jolly and the Citroën Méhari.

The model is manufactured at the Microlino factory in Turin, Italy.

It offers a range of up to 177 kilometers, a top speed of 90 km/h, and a power output of 12.5kW, 

"The Microlino Spiaggina is an idea we’ve had in mind for years, and it’s finally become a reality. It will be the most stylish vehicle for Europe’s summer destinations like Portofino, St. Tropez, or Ibiza," explains Merlin Ouboter, Microlino's Co-Founder.

The 90th edition of the Paris Motor Show takes place from October 14th to 20th.