Élysée Palace hosts European automotive industry dinner ahead of Paris Motor Show 2026, Chinese carmakers not invited

French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a dinner at the Élysée Palace ahead of the 2026 Paris Motor Show, bringing together around 70 representatives from European carmakers, industry groups and the business and political worlds to discuss the future of European automotive industry.

Chinese carmakers, despite their growing presence at the show, were not invited.

The Élysée Palace said the event was intended for companies with long-term investments and manufacturing operations in Europe. But the exclusion of Chinese exhibitors has drawn attention amid EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and ongoing trade tensions between China and Europe.

Chinese brands take up a larger presence at the show

First held in 1898, the Paris Motor Show is one of the world's oldest motor shows.

This year, Chinese automakers have turned out in force, with 16 manufacturers and more than 20 brands exhibiting. Together, they account for around one-third of the exhibition space, putting their brand count on a par with that of European manufacturers.

Paris Motor Show director Serge Gachot said the event should reflect the changes reshaping the global car industry.

With Chinese manufacturers making rapid progress in electric vehicles and smart-car technology, he said, keeping the industry open to exchange was important for understanding the latest developments.

New technologies shown at the show

At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Chinese brands presented their latest developments in batteries, ultra-fast charging and AI-assisted driving.

In a public-road driving demonstration in Paris organised as part of the event, XPeng took part alongside Tesla, giving members of the public the chance to experience their driver-assistance technology.

AITO and Li Auto also presented new models aimed at families and buyers looking for more advanced in-car technology, while outlining their plans for entering the European market.

Chinese brands are giving European buyers more options, particularly in markets where competitive pricing and technology features can influence purchasing decisions.

Surveys also suggest that some European consumers are becoming more open to electric vehicle brands that are new to them.

Europe faces a balancing act

During his visit to the show, Macron again stressed the need to put European interests first and protect the region's technological independence.

Some economists and industry analysts argue that supporting Europe's own carmakers should not come at the expense of fair competition. They say maintaining an open market and encouraging innovation are also important for giving consumers more choice.

With trade policy still uncertain, the relationship between European and Chinese automakers is likely to remain a key issue as the industry moves towards electrification and increasingly advanced driver-assistance systems.

What is the Élysée Palace?

The Élysée Palace, in Paris's 8th arrondissement, was built in 1718 and has served as the French president's official residence and workplace since 1873.

Its Salle des Fêtes has hosted state banquets and major political and business events since 1889.

The palace also hosts diplomatic and cultural gatherings. In May 2024, for example, it held a dinner focused on cultural exchanges between France and China. The dinner ahead of the 2026 Paris Motor Show was a closed-door meeting focused on European automotive policy.

Read Also: BYD eyes France for new plant as it plans wider European expansion