Record Chinese turnout puts European carmakers under pressure at Paris show

By Nick Carey and Giulio Piovaccari PARIS, Oct 9 (Reuters) A record 20 Chinese car brands will descend on next week s Paris Motor Show, underscoring how rapidly China s automakers have established themselves as a competitive threat in Europe despite mounting trade barriers. European carmakers will use the show to unveil new models and try to reassure investors they can compete, as Chinese rivals ​gain market share with a growing range of electric vehicles and hybrids. This year s Chinese contingent will be twice the size ‌of the one at the last show in 2024, with established names such as BYD and Chery joined by newcomers including Aito and Avatr. The Paris Motor Show comes at a pivotal moment for Europe s auto industry. Sales by European manufacturers in China have slumped since the COVID-19 pandemic, while Chinese automakers, largely shut out of the US and facing weaker demand at home, have increasingly turned their attention to Europe. The Chinese are saying we ve got to try and