2026 Paris Motor Show: new cars, innovation and our favourites
The Paris Motor Show remains a unique opportunity to observe the major transformations taking place across the automotive world. For the 2026 edition, we walked through the halls of Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in search of new cars, new technologies and, above all, emotion.
Our visit revealed an industry in motion: Chinese brands have become impossible to ignore, French manufacturers continue to reinvent their heritage, and several concept cars still have the power to make enthusiasts’ hearts beat faster.
Chinese carmakers move up a gear
Our first impression was the strength of the Chinese presence. Nearly twenty manufacturers were represented, often combining highly competitive pricing with increasingly impressive technology.
Li Auto, GAC with the AION V, and Lynk & Co all demonstrate this new ambition. Quality is improving, digital equipment is becoming more sophisticated and design identities are growing more distinctive. These manufacturers are no longer simply observing the European market: they intend to establish a lasting presence.
ARIDGE and Tesla: when the car leaves the ground
ARIDGE provided one of the most surprising discoveries of the show. The company presented its Land Aircraft Carrier, a road vehicle designed to transport a detachable flying module, together with the A868 concept for longer-distance aerial travel.
This futuristic vision gained even more relevance just days after our visit, when Elon Musk unveiled a new version of the Tesla Roadster using technology developed with SpaceX. Equipped with cold-gas thrusters, the prototype can briefly leave the ground, rotate in the air and land. It is better described as performing powered leaps than achieving the sustained flight of an aircraft.
ARIDGE and Tesla therefore follow two very different paths. ARIDGE imagines an ecosystem linking road and air travel. Tesla turns the sports car into an extreme technology demonstrator, halfway between automotive and space engineering. In both cases, a symbolic boundary has fallen: tomorrow’s car may no longer be confined to the road.
Mercedes returns while Volvo keeps a low profile
We were pleased to see Mercedes-Benz return with a major stand. Its presence restored some of the prestige expected from an international motor show and highlighted the continuing importance of established manufacturers. Volvo was also present, although in a noticeably more discreet way — an interesting contrast with the energy shown by the new Asian challengers.
French brands balance heritage and modernity
Faced with this competition, French manufacturers showed no shortage of ideas or personality. Peugeot highlighted the new electric E-208 GTi and the spectacular E-T16 concept, a contemporary tribute to the legendary 205 Turbo 16.
At Renault, the return of the R5 and Twingo shows how nostalgia can become a powerful source of creativity. Their familiar lines remain, but have been adapted to the technologies and uses of a new era.
Citroën explored the same theme with a concept inspired by the 2CV. More than a retro design exercise, it raises an intriguing question: how can the simplicity, accessibility and optimism of the French people’s car be brought into the electric age?
Alpine offered a more sporting interpretation with the A310 Vision. Its proportions and lighting signature revisit one of the most distinctive shapes in the brand’s history.
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Professionals prepare the reveal too
In the run-up to the 2026 Paris Motor Show, our entire stock of My Roadster® showroom covers was sold. Dealerships, garages and automotive professionals selected our Soft™ covers to protect vehicles, prepare presentations and create that special moment when a new model is finally revealed.
This trust confirms the place that My Roadster® showroom covers have earned among professionals in France and the Benelux. Soft, lightweight and reusable, they fully cover the vehicle and can be personalised with a company logo.
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Our showroom covers are currently being restocked. Automotive professionals can contact us to prepare their next vehicle presentations.
Notable absences
Despite the variety of this edition, several manufacturers were missed. BMW, MINI, Porsche, Jeep, Toyota, Nissan and MG did not have the presence we would have liked to see. Their absence inevitably left a gap for enthusiasts hoping to discover the latest vehicles from their favourite brands.
Alfa Romeo Cuorerosso: our show favourite
For the second edition in a row, our favourite car was found on the Alfa Romeo stand. This year, it had a name: Cuorerosso — literally, “red heart”.
With its deep red finish, long sculpted bonnet, dramatic expression and bold reinterpretation of the famous Scudetto grille, the concept commands attention. Cuorerosso is a design manifesto, reminding us that despite electrification and ever-increasing technology, a car must still create emotion.
Preserving the lines that inspire us
From the Alfa Romeo Cuorerosso to the Alpine A310 Vision, our visit reminded us that design remains at the heart of automotive passion. A body shape is more than a technical specification: its curves, paintwork and details deserve protection, even when the car is resting in a garage or joining a collection.
This philosophy guides the protection solutions selected by My Roadster®. Our Stretch™ indoor car cover follows the contours of classic, modern and sports cars while helping to protect their bodywork from dust, micro-scratches and light contact.
Our view of the 2026 show
The 2026 Paris Motor Show perfectly reflected the tensions and opportunities facing today’s automotive industry. Chinese brands are accelerating, French manufacturers are reinterpreting their heritage, and Mercedes has returned in force, while several major names continue to keep their distance.
Beyond the strategies, screens and new technologies, our visit reminded us of one simple truth: cars continue to fascinate when they tell a story. This year, it was Alfa Romeo’s red heart that made ours beat faster.