Paris Motor Show 2010: Key Debuts and Industry Focus
The 2010 Paris Motor Show opens with over 70 manufacturers, major world premieres from Aston Martin, Audi, Lotus and others, and a renewed spotlight on electric concepts and UK jobs.
The 2010 Paris Motor Show opens its doors on 2 October with more than 70 car manufacturers confirmed and a strong line-up of world and European premieres. The show, running until 17 October at Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles, marks a return to form after a subdued 2009. This year’s event features a special exhibition on manufacturers’ collections and museums, but the main focus remains on new product launches and technology.
World premieres and concept debuts
Aston Martin brings the latest DB9 to Paris, featuring a modest restyle with a new front bumper, bright-finish grille, revised sills and 20-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels. The updated DB9, on sale since July, is priced from the US equivalent of $184,857 for the coupé. Audi’s new A7 makes its show debut, slotting above the A6 and below the A8, targeting rivals such as the Mercedes CLS and Porsche Panamera with a choice of V6 and V8 petrol and diesel engines.
BMW’s Paris stand is headlined by the new X3, which adopts a more mature design and updated technology, and may also showcase the Mega City concept and the next 6 Series. Bugatti’s Veyron Super Sport, fresh from its verified 267.86 mph world speed record, is present as the world’s fastest production car. Lotus is expected to reveal up to five vehicles, including two front-engined GT concepts and three production models, with speculation centring on a new Esprit, a roadster and a supercar.
Among the French manufacturers, Citroën launches the next-generation C4 and brings the DS4, while Peugeot unveils the new 508 saloon, which replaces the 407, and likely the 308 GTI. Renault’s stand features the electric DeZir concept, the first project led by Laurens van den Acker, with a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery offering a claimed 100-mile range and rapid battery swap capability. The DeZir is part of Renault’s push to showcase its design direction and commitment to electric vehicles.
UK jobs and new models for Europe
Land Rover’s Range Rover Evoque makes its public debut, previewing a compact SUV that will be built at Halewood, Merseyside. The company expects Evoque production to create 1,000 jobs in the UK. The Evoque promises sub-130g/km CO2 emissions, reflecting the show’s wider emphasis on efficiency and environmental performance.
Ford Europe brings the facelifted Mondeo, featuring LED lighting, new bumpers and an upgraded interior with a redesigned centre console and improved navigation. Opel shows the new Astra Sports Tourer, expanding its family hatch line-up. Volvo, meanwhile, presents the V60 estate, building on the S60’s dynamic platform.
Electric and low-emission highlights
Electric vehicles and low-emission technology are prominent at Paris 2010. Renault’s DeZir concept leads the charge for French electrification, while Land Rover’s Evoque claims sub-130g/km CO2 emissions. Smart presents a facelifted Fortwo with new colour options and LED daytime running lights, reflecting the growing demand for customisation and efficiency in city cars.
- Aston Martin DB9 restyle
- Audi A7 world debut
- BMW X3 new generation
- Bugatti Veyron Super Sport
- Citroën C4 and DS4
- Peugeot 508 and 308 GTI
- Renault DeZir electric concept
- Range Rover Evoque
- Ford Mondeo facelift
- Opel Astra Sports Tourer
- Volvo V60 estate
- Smart Fortwo facelift
What to expect from the show
The 2010 Paris Motor Show gives manufacturers a platform to demonstrate recovery after the previous year’s downturn, with a mix of world premieres, electric concepts and new jobs for UK workers. With a strong presence from both established and emerging models, Paris is set to underline the shift towards efficiency, electrification and design innovation across the sector.
