Four years that the French automotive sector has been waiting for this: the return of Mondial de l’auto, in Paris Porte de Versailles, Monday 16 October. Canceled in 2020 due to the health crisis, the event, which is usually held every two years, will open its doors to the press on Monday, with a visit from Emmanuel Macron, then to the public on Tuesday. A week, shorter format than usual, to demonstrate that the Paris meeting can become the show of the “new automotive world”. Without several historic builders (notably the Germans who will be conspicuous by their absence) but with new players who are becoming essential.
Highlighting electricity and hydrogen
For this edition, don’t look for BMW, Audi or Toyota. On the other hand, you will get to know Hopium, NamX, BYD, VinFast or Fisker… Whether American, Vietnamese, Chinese or French, the manufacturers present at the World Cup will obviously focus on electric vehicles, which have just overtaken diesel on the new car market last September. From 100% electric battery, the manufacturer ACC will also have a stand for the first time, a few months before the opening of its mega-factory in Douvrin in the North.
It is also an opportunity to highlight hydrogen. Two young French entrepreneurs will present high-end cars, like NamX. Its founder, Faouzi Annajah is eager to introduce it to the public: “We are going to show this prototype which is above all a work of design art for all car lovers”, he says proudly. “Paris really remains a unique event. For us, it’s a first big meeting with the public, to really present our complete solution.”
Ferrari did not make the trip, but there will still be a few rare specimens of the prancing horse brand presented as part of a charity operation. Visitors will see supercars, micro-cars, and then one of the stars announced this year, the Alpenglow: a superb concept imagined by Alpine, between racing car and future racing car.
