China fills vacuum at Geneva Motor Show

The Renault Scénic has been named car of the year at this year's Salon de l'auto. BYD made the shortlist for the title - one of several Chinese carmakers showcasing at the event which lost almost all German, French and British manufacturers.

Apart from Renault - all of Europe's big brands have pulled out of the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) leaving a vacuum that was quickly filled by Chinese firms like BYD and MG Motors.

"The actors that are present here, the brands, they reflect the changes that are happening into this market," Sandro Mesquita, the Motor Show's CEO, told CGTN. "I think (here) we have a great panel of the future stars of the automobile market."

Although BYD took over Tesla as the world's biggest EV maker, many Europeans still haven't heard of the Shenzhen-based manufacturer. But they will soon.

"Now we have a presence here in Geneva, we are sponsoring Euro UEFA 2024 so - after the summer and with these motor show activities that we launch - everyone will know us," BYD spokesperson Mike Belinfante told CGTN Europe at Geneva's BYD stand.

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As well as major carmakers staying away, visitor numbers are expected to be drastically lower in Geneva this year, compared to previous events.

Meanwhile, the all-electric Renault Scenic - a lightweight construction available with two battery sizes - was named car of the year by a GIMS jury on Monday (February 26). 

"The automotive business is a fighting sport, so it's tough. But as you can see we can make it," Renault's chief technology officer Gilles Le Borgne said after receiving the award.

Among the seven finalists was the BYD Seal - the first ever Chinese entry into the competition. 

"The BYD Seal is a great car but it's basically a kind of performance car," head of jury Soren Rasmussen explained to CGTN. "It's focused on the acceleration and performance. I think the Renault Scénic has more focus on the family, on the more normal car buyer and that's very important when we talk about car of the year."

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