New Car Reveals and Auto Shows: Munich, Tokyo, Shanghai — 2026-10-21
The Paris Motor Show has just concluded, marking a significant resurgence for major auto shows with over 60 exhibiting brands. Key developments include the revival of the iconic Citroën 2 CV as a modern concept and Fiat's confirmation that its radical Multipla concept will reach production. Meanwhile, the Japan Mobility Show Bizweek in Japan focused on B2B matchmaking, while Chinese manufacturers aggressively targeted the European truck market at IAA Transportation.
New Car Reveals and Auto Shows: Munich, Tokyo, Shanghai — 2026-10-21
Top developments
Citroën Revives the 2 CV Icon
At the 2026 Mondial de l’Auto (Oct 12–18), Citroën unveiled the "2 CV Concept," a modern interpretation of the historic model. The concept aims to address future mobility challenges while embodying the original’s core values of simplicity and ingenuity. This reveal was part of a broader trend at the show where major manufacturers leveraged heritage design language to differentiate themselves from emerging Chinese EV competitors.
Fiat Confirms Multipla Production Version
Fiat CEO Arnaud Belloni confirmed that the radical "Multiplay" concept, which debuted at the Paris Motor Show, will be developed into a production vehicle. Belloni described the MPV-shaped design as "absolutely meaningful," signaling a bold move for the brand’s future lineup. This decision highlights the show's role not just as a display of concepts, but as a launchpad for imminent production models.
Chinese Truck Makers Target Europe at IAA
At the IAA Transportation 2026, over a dozen Chinese manufacturers showcased heavy electric trucks, leveraging "megawatt charging" capabilities and aggressive pricing strategies to penetrate the European market. This influx of new brands represents a significant shift in the commercial vehicle sector, challenging established European incumbents.
Japan Mobility Show Focuses on B2B Matchmaking
The Japan Mobility Show Bizweek 2026, held in Chiba from Oct 13–16, prioritized business-to-business connections over public consumer reveals. Organized by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, the event facilitated matchmaking between emerging startups, parts manufacturers, and established automakers, with significant participation from companies in the Tokai region.
Local view
In Germany, elektroquatsch.de noted that the Paris show successfully balanced affordable electric small cars with long-range SUVs, highlighting models like the Smart #2 and VW ID series as key contenders. Meanwhile, Japanese outlet Mynavi News observed a strong nostalgia trend at the Paris salon, noting that "the past is breathing again" with revivals of the 2 CV and other historic models, suggesting a heritage-driven strategy for European brands.
Context & numbers
The 2026 Paris Motor Show attracted more than 60 exhibiting brands, a notable increase from the 48 brands present in previous iterations, signaling a "renaissance" of major auto shows. In the commercial sector, IAA Transportation featured electric trucks with ranges up to 720 km, setting new benchmarks for heavy-duty electric mobility.
On the radar
- Wynn Concours Las Vegas: The fifth annual collector-car celebration will take place from Oct 30 to Nov 1, featuring world debuts of hypercars and legendary GT1 racers.
- Detroit Auto Show 2026: Scheduled for Jan 14–25, 2026, at Huntington Place, it will return to its traditional January slot with over 30 brands, including GM, Ford, and luxury marques.
- IAAE Tokyo: The International Auto Aftermarket Expo is slated for February 2027 in Koto, Japan, focusing on aftermarket services and parts.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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