The Paris Motor Show, aka Mondial de l’Automobile (in French), is one you don’t want to miss! But travelling across the world to get in on the debut of the newest concept cars and vehicles under production may not be possible for all, so we’re bringing it right to you here!

This major international auto show is held biennially, and this year it runs from October 1-16. So far, mid-way into this show, here’s what we’re seeing and hearing:

Electric Vehicles Taking the Spotlight
Many of the latest concept vehicles rolling out were EVs. Some plug-in cars are expected to come on the market soon, like:

• Mercede’s Smart ForTwo Electric Drive is expectedto be available in the United States by the end of the year. It’s Mercede’sfirst convertible electric car, and the only electric convertible on the market.
• Volkswagen’s I.D. concept car is expected to come on the market in 2020, with a starting price of about $30,000 and a driving range of about 250 and 375 miles.
• GM’s Ampera-e (similar version to the Chevrolet Bolt) will go into production next spring. This vehicle will be marketed in Europe as an affordable plug-in car with the ability to go 238 miles on a charge, according to the U.S. EPA.

Latest Developments with Crossover/SUVs
While a lot of hype at the show has been around electric vehicles and hybrids, the popularity of Crossovers and SUVs were also on scene at the show:

• BMW’s latest SUV concept was unveiled at the show called the X2. Roll out of the X2 concept is expected in spring 2018 with a much more slender and sporty look, accompanied by a rear spoiler, 21-inch wheels, and X’s in the headlights.
• Mercedes-Benz revealed the Generation EQ concept at the show as its first concept lineup of a crossover battery-electric model that also incorporates all-wheel drive and offers a range of 310 miles on a full charge. Plans to debut the production version of the car will happen in 2019.
• Infiniti QX future production model design was revealed through its QX Sports Inspiration concept. It features 22-inch wheels and a new grey color.

Other Hot Cars to Talk About
There’s no shortage of hot cars that stun and amaze at the show:

• Honda Civic Type R prototype was revealed offering everyone a view of the next generation Civic to go on sale in 2017.
• BMW’s i3 came out at the show with a revised color design that will be available at the beginning of 2017.
• Audi’s Q5 SUV made its world debut impressing all with its 190 horsepower output.
• Porsche’s Panamerea 4 E-Hybrid impressed even more with its 462 horsepower output.
• Land Rover’s Discovery SUV was unveiled with its offering of a touchscreen display and smartphone app allowing the reconfiguration of the vehicle’s seven seats.
• Hyundai came out with its i30 hatchback vehicle going into production in 2017.

If you are wondering why there’s no mention of new concept vehicles and production of cars coming from Ford, Volvo, Rolls Royce, Mazda, Aston Martin, Bentley and Lamborhini at the show, that’s because they were not present.

While this is a well-regarded show in the motor industry and it has a history that dates back to 1918 (under the name of Salon de l’Automobile), it takes a lot from car companies to put on a show at this major event. On top of that, as you can see from the highlights, there’s a lot of competition at all angles that some car companies have opted for a different road to get the world out on their latest concepts and vehicles under production.

Clearly this is only the beginning and a lot more news is expected to come out of the international motor show.

Photo by Alexandre Lazaro via Flickr. (CC BY-ND 2.0) from the 2010 Paris Motor Show.