Car lovers: the time has come for the Paris Motor Show!
After being cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Paris Motorshow will make its comeback at the Porte de Versailles from 17 to 23 October: an opportunity for the Lion Brand to prove, once again, that allure is truly part of its DNA.
A look back at several demonstrations of Peugeot style and presence throughout the history of the legendary Paris Motor Show.
2022 — The Sphere: a breathtaking display
This year, the new 408 will be presented at the show in a breathtaking display that seems to defy the laws of gravity. How can the new Peugeot 408 turn upside down or twist to move in such an unprecedented way? The answer is the transparent "Sphere" that surrounds the car and shows it from every angle.
It all began in 1895 with the creation of the “Automobile Club de France”, whose objective was to promote motoring. This is how the A.C.F. imagined and organized the first international automobile, cycle and sports exhibition in the Tuileries Gardens in 1898.
An amusing anecdote: to be exhibited at this first show, the cars had to travel the distance from Paris to Versailles to Paris (about 40 km) to prove their ability to move independently.
The event was a success: 140,000 people came to discover this first Paris Motor Show in the Jardin des Tuileries.
In 1901, after a one-year postponement due to the Universal Exhibition, October became the traditional opening month of the Paris Motor Show, which took up residence in the Grand Palais for over 60 years. After a resounding success, the effects of the crisis of the 1930s were felt: in 1938, the Show welcomed only 538 exhibitors. The post-World War II period saw a flourishing return with 810,000 visitors for the 1946 edition.
Due to its success, the Motor Show moved to the Parc des expositions de la Porte de Versailles in 1962. Since 1976, it has been held every even-numbered year. It is now the largest car show in the world with more than one million visitors.
Peugeot's style is part of the history of the Paris Motor Show
A prestigious event par excellence, the Motor Show has always been the place for all kinds of audacity and trends. Peugeot has made no mistake about it and has regularly stamped its mark and its style by taking advantage of the event to present some of its most emblematic vehicles. Here are a few examples to enjoy!
As pioneer in the automobile industry, Peugeot, which has distinguished itself in competition, has been present at all the exhibitions. The Lion brand shows its know-how and technical mastery: the Motor Show is an opportunity to present its innovations to the public.
1934 —Peugeot 401 and 601 Eclipse
In October 1934, Peugeot combined style with technology and introduced the 401 and 601 "Eclipse". These first “coupé-transformable”, or “coupé-cabriolet” with an electrically retractable hardtop, were the greatest innovation in bodywork of the last twenty years.
1935 — Peugeot 402
At the Paris Motor Show in 1935, visitors were breathless! The new prestige saloon from the Peugeot factories was distinguished by its so-called "Fuseau de Sochaux" line. This was inspired by the Streamline industrial design movement, born of the aerodynamic shape of the water drop. The 402 is particularly striking with its front lights, hidden behind the grille.
1948 — PEUGEOT 203
It is undoubtedly one of the stars of the 1948 Paris Motor Show. This traditional saloon car was aimed at a public already attached to the Lion brand. A successful bet! In 12 years, nearly 700,000 units were produced in Sochaux.
1968 — PEUGEOT 504
A perfect synthesis of the work of the Pininfarina Italian Style Workshop, which designed the line, and the house style led by Paul Bouvot, who designed the front end, the 504 saloon was initially due to be presented in the spring of 1968. However, the "events" of May 1968 delayed its debut. The elegant dress hides proven engines and its robustness will make it one of the undisputed queens of the market for many years.
1984 — PEUGEOT 205
Presented in February 1983, it was not until 1984 that Peugeot exhibited its legendary 205. Already crowned with its victories in the World Rally Championship, it shines at the Motor Show! Presented almost 40 years ago, it is still on the streets! This is irrefutable proof of its impressive popularity and robustness.
2000 — PEUGEOT 206 CC
The 206 inaugurates the new millennium at the Paris Motor Show. The public was clearly seduced by the coupé cabriolet version of this small city car. The 206 is the most produced Peugeot in history, with more than 8 million units produced. This record is also due to its CC version, inspired by the Peugeot “coupé-transformable” of the 1930s, with a magnificent design and no direct competition in its category.
2012 — PEUGEOT ONYX
Peugeot Onyx is the supercar of the 21st century, dreamed up by the Lion brand and presented at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Onyx is powered by a 3.7 L Hybrid-HDi-FAP V8 engine from Peugeot Sport, with a combined output of 680 bhp (600 + 80). This sharp-looking concept is striking in terms of its materials and colours. Its interior is bathed in a clear and soothing atmosphere.
2018 — PEUGEOT e-Legend
Peugeot e-Legend concept car is a neo-retro coupé paying tribute to the Peugeot 504 Coupé (which celebrated its 50th birthday in 2019). A nod to vintage with a reinterpretation of the major styling themes of this iconic car: a light, athletic, sharp and sensual silhouette as well as a cabin, arched towards the rear, benefiting from large glass sections. The look of the car is identifiable thanks to a visual signature: two double modules recalling the four headlights of the 504 Coupé as well as the three claws of the rear lights. Peugeot e-Legend was voted "Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year 2018".
Once again this year, the Lion brand will do its best to stamp its mark and display its usual elegance on the Peugeot stand at the 2022 Paris Motor Show.
