Paris Motor Show 2026: Changan, Avatr and XPeng lock in Australian arrivals

A revived show with Australian consequences

The 2026 Paris Motor Show staged its revival in October with more than 60 brands in attendance, up from 48 at the 2024 edition, and GoAuto's show report counted as many as 60 premieres across the halls. The 91st edition of the Mondial de l'Auto ran from 12 to 18 October at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, with organisers the Plateforme automobile and Hopscotch Groupe targeting attendance above the 500,000 visitors drawn in 2024, according to Luxembourg motoring outlet Autotouring. ¹⁴

While BMW Group, Porsche, Toyota and Nissan were absent, Chinese manufacturers filled the gap in force. Autotouring counted 19 Chinese brands against nine at the previous show, and GoAuto's Tom Baker reported from Paris that the Chinese contingent arrived largely with production-ready SUVs rather than late-stage concepts. For Australian readers, the most consequential announcements were the confirmed local plans from Changan, Avatr and XPeng. ¹⁴

Changan confirms Nevo for Australia in 2027

Changan, the parent company of Avatr and Deepal, used the show to confirm that a third brand, Nevo, will expand to Europe and Australia. CarExpert reported that Changan's local arm subsequently confirmed a Nevo launch in Australia sometime in 2027, with a company spokesperson telling the publication: "Australia can expect Nevo's arrival in 2027". The local model line-up has yet to be detailed. ³

The Nevo line-up shown in Paris included three new models: the A06 sedan and the Q05 and Q06 SUVs. CarExpert reports the Q05 electric SUV will go on sale in Spain from early 2027 as the first model, and that in right-hand-drive Thailand it uses a 120kW/190Nm front motor with a 51.9kWh LFP battery rated at 462km on the NEDC cycle. The larger Q06 and A06 offer electric or range-extended hybrid powertrains, with CLTC ranges of up to 620km for the A06 and up to 700km for the Q06 with its 80kWh battery. ³

Distribution arrangements differ within the group. According to CarExpert, Avatr and Nevo will be distributed locally by factory-backed Changan operations, unlike Deepal, which is handled by independent importer Inchcape. Asked whether Changan planned to take over Deepal locally, a company representative told the publication there were no changes, saying the company was focused on launching Avatr into the Australian market. ³

Avatr: wagon, SUV and flagship on a staged timetable

Avatr confirmed a staged Australian rollout at the show. GoAuto reports the 06T electric wagon is confirmed for Australia in the second half of 2027, following the 07L SUV earlier in 2027, while the six-seat T09 luxury SUV is scheduled for a local launch in 2028. ¹

Further detail on the 07L comes from CarExpert, which reports the premium brand has promised to open Australian pre-orders before the end of this year, with first deliveries to commence in 2027 and pricing and specifications expected to be announced in late November or December. BossHunting's Paris coverage described the 06T as a sleek electric shooting brake designed partially in Munich, with more than 700kW in flagship three-motor all-wheel-drive form, and noted the T09 premiered in Paris as a six-seat plug-in hybrid SUV close to production. ²³

XPeng G9L: three rows for Australia, built in Guangzhou

XPeng's G9L three-row flagship SUV made its European premiere in Paris and is headed to Australia in the first half of 2027. GoAuto reports that Australian vehicles will be sourced from Guangzhou, China, rather than from Magna's operation in Austria, which has been through European production trials and will supply European customers. ¹

BossHunting describes the G9L as a 5.12-metre-long SUV offering a choice of six or seven seats, with the seven-seat layout favoured for Australia, up to 591km of electric range and charging in under 12 minutes. The same report says Australian examples will have the additional option of a range-extender hybrid powertrain with a claimed 1200km of combined range. These figures remain manufacturer claims at this stage. ²

Trade pressure and European production plans shape the backdrop

Beyond individual models, GoAuto's report framed the show around where Chinese makers intend to build cars. It noted the event followed a preliminary European Union-China agreement to restrict Chinese hybrid vehicle exports to the EU, adding to existing duties on Chinese-built electric vehicles, although final implementation remains subject to EU approval. In response, Leapmotor has begun producing its B10 in Zaragoza, Spain, Geely will build alongside Ford in Valencia from 2028, and BYD executive vice-president Stella Li said the company is studying a possible French factory to supplement its Szeged, Hungary plant. ¹

Changan's own European manufacturing ambitions are substantial. CarExpert reports that Ethan Yin, executive deputy general manager of Changan Europe, told the show's press conference the company aims to open a European facility capable of 180,000 units by the end of 2028 and 350,000 by 2030, adding: "We are in active discussions with our partners, and expect to announce the details before the end of this year". GoAuto separately notes Changan is negotiating European production arrangements targeting a locally built vehicle for launch in 2027. Neither plan involves Australian production; Australian-bound G9L and Changan-group vehicles remain China-built at this stage based on the confirmed reporting. ¹³