(Yicai) Oct. 15 -- Xpeng Motors, GAC Group and other Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturers showcased their latest electric cars at the Paris Motor Show, which kicked off yesterday, demonstrating their dedication to the EU market despite the recent introduction of high countervailing duties on EVs imported from China.

BYD, Leapmotor, Hongqi, Skyworth, Seres Group, Dongfeng Forthing, SAIC Maxus and Iveco were also present at the 90th Paris Motor Show, which runs until Oct. 20, according to the auto show’s website. However, Japanese car giants Nissan, Toyota and Honda were noticeably absent, as was Germany’s Mercedes-Benz.

Xpeng unveiled the new P7+, Xpeng Mona M03, as well as other family models, namely the G6, G9 and X9, at the show. It also launched pre-sales of the P7+, with prices starting at CNY209,800 (USD29,500).

Xpeng announced its ‘Overseas 2.0’ plan to reporters, in which the Guangzhou-based company said it aims for overseas sales to account for half of all its sales in the next decade. Xpeng’s cars are available in more than 30 countries and regions around the world. But by the end of next year, it plans to enter the markets of more than 60 countries and regions, it added.

Europe remains a key focus of its long-term strategy, Xpeng said. This is despite the European Commission voting on Oct. 4 to impose tariffs of up to 45 percent on electric vehicles imported from China.

Leapmotor put its latest electric car model, the B10, on show. The Hangzhou-based auto manufacturer said it has started sales of its compact sports utility vehicle, the T03, and its mid-size SUV, the C10, in Europe. The firm plans to launch a number of cars based on its B platform next year and will link arms with Holland’s Stellantis to boost overseas sales.

Seres’ Aito M7, parts of its Aito marque co-developed with tech giant Huawei Technologies, made its overseas debut. And the Aito M9 was displayed in Europe for the first time under the name Aito 9.

GAC exhibited two plug-in hybrid EVs, the GAC Trumpchi ES9 and E9, as well as four all-electric models that are part of its GAC Aion line-up, namely the second generation Aion V, Aion Y plus, Hyptec SSR and Hyptec HT.

GAC’s cars will start entering Europe by the end of the year, General Manager Feng Xingya said. The Guangzhou-based firm aims to achieve full coverage across Europe by 2028 of both its EVs and plug-in hybrid electric cars, to meet the diverse needs of European customers.

Hongqi introduced its all-electric models, the EH7 and EHS7, at the auto show. Skyworth showcased the Skyhome and EV6, along with two new models.

Great Wall Motors and Nio, which participated in the last exhibition, did not attend the event. However several auto companies sent employees to negotiate with local manufacturers and dealers on potential tie-ups, market access and local production.

Editor: Kim Taylor