The Brussels motor show is underway in the Belgian capital with a record number of brands participating. Some 67 manufacturers from across the world are exhibiting at this year's Brussels motor show with 11 vehicles making their global debuts.

The expo is seen by those in the industry as a chance for auto makers to drive demand at a time when Europe's transition away from combustion engines faces uncertainty. 

The European Commission has put forward a proposal to water down its original plan that would see combustion engines banned in the European Union from 2035. Instead it's suggesting a 90 percent reduction in emissions, a move that would keep the door open for things like hybrid or range extenders vehicles.

Amid concerns over the demand for electric vehicles, the idea is intended to help protect carmakers during this period of transition. 

At the Brussels auto show Nissan is promoting, among other vehicles, its Qashqai model, which runs as an electric vehicle but has a combustion component that powers the battery. 

"I think it's something in-between for the customers not yet ready to switch to EVs; then we also have a solution for them," said Melvin Keuter, PR Manager for Nissan Benelux in an interview with CGTN at the Brussels motor show. 

EV sales in the EU increased by an estimated 30 percent last year but there are fears that weakening regulations could slow demand.

"This means that there's not one clear technology, the investments will be divested away from electric towards combustion and hybrid technology at a moment when we need all investment, scale and focus on electric cars," said Lucien Mathieu, Director (Cars) with the clean transportation and energy firm, Transport & Environment.

But many car brands at the Brussels auto show remain committed to providing purely EV offerings.  

Chinese car manufacturer Zeekr has launched its 7GT model at this year's Brussels motor show. It's set to become the fourth model available in Europe as the company seeks to expand into several new markets including France and the UK in the coming months. 

It's part of a wider plan for the Chinese company to be available across roughly 90 percent of Europe.

The brand hopes that easing consumer fears over issues like pricing, performance and range capabilities will help generate sustained demand. 

"We are really focusing on taking away the anxieties of consumers, (like) range anxiety," Lothar Schupet, Acting CEO at Zeekr Europe told CGTN. 

"Our cars have about 600 kilometer range so you need a break before the car needs (one) and if you need to stop you just charge and in 10 minutes (you get a range of) 340 kilometers. That is already swiping away the anxieties."

While some manufacturers now face a fork in the road, EV makers hope to use this as an opportunity to get ahead in this increasingly competitive sector.