Rectangular Steering Wheels, Floating Cars and Deluxe EVs Debut at Paris Auto Show

 A view of the logo of BYD during the launch of the BYD eMAX 7, an electric MPV by Chinese car and battery maker BYD, in New Delhi, India, October 8, 2024. (Reuters)
A view of the logo of BYD during the launch of the BYD eMAX 7, an electric MPV by Chinese car and battery maker BYD, in New Delhi, India, October 8, 2024. (Reuters)
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Rectangular Steering Wheels, Floating Cars and Deluxe EVs Debut at Paris Auto Show

 A view of the logo of BYD during the launch of the BYD eMAX 7, an electric MPV by Chinese car and battery maker BYD, in New Delhi, India, October 8, 2024. (Reuters)
A view of the logo of BYD during the launch of the BYD eMAX 7, an electric MPV by Chinese car and battery maker BYD, in New Delhi, India, October 8, 2024. (Reuters)

Chinese and European automakers are launching new models at the Paris auto show on Monday, with both heavily focusing on their electric ranges, even as demand slows and the EU gears up to impose tariffs on Chinese-made EVs later this month.

Below are some of the launches expected to generate buzz at the show, Europe's biggest. Organizers have counted around 50 European or world premieres.

CHINA'S OFFERING

Chinese EV giant BYD, which has entered many European markets this summer, is hoping to challenge Tesla's Model Y with a mid-sized electric SUV known as the Sea Lion 07.

It will also premiere for France its luxury, plug-in hybrid SUV, the Yangwang U8, which is capable of floating in the event of accidents involving water. It can also park sideways or make a complete turn on the spot thanks to four electric motors, one in each wheel.

China's state-owned GAC is launching the second generation of its compact electric crossover SUV, the Aion V, with a range of up to 750 kilometers (466 miles).

FAW's Hongqi, or Red Flag, known as former Chinese leader Chairman Mao Zedong's favored car brand and considered the nation's equivalent of a Rolls Royce, will launch its imposing luxury electric range, including the 5.2-meter long E-HS9, and EH7 and EHS7 models.

Startup Leapmotor will show the small EV T03 and new electric SUVs, the C10 and B10.

EUROPEAN MANUFACTURERS

Local manufacturer Renault is unveiling its small electric SUV, the R4, a modern version of the famous Renault 4 from the sixties, as well as a new Dacia Bigster, a larger version of the bestselling SUV Duster.

Alpine, Renault's sport brand, will unveil a show car for its forthcoming A390 fastback, its second fully electric model.

Volkswagen will premiere its seven-seater VW Tayron SUV that comes as a mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid, and available for order from 45,475 euros ($49,763).

Stellantis will launch the new compact Citroen C4 and C4X that have hybrid, electric and pure combustion-engine versions.

Peugeot, which has previously designed a mini steering wheel, is showing a rectangular wheel, or the Hypersquare, which will appear in the first car showrooms from 2026.



Microsoft Unveils Rog Xbox Ally Handheld Video Game Devices

Microsoft says that its coming ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming devices will be available by the year-end holiday season, with pricing soon to be disclosed. Ina FASSBENDER / AFP/File
Microsoft says that its coming ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming devices will be available by the year-end holiday season, with pricing soon to be disclosed. Ina FASSBENDER / AFP/File
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Microsoft Unveils Rog Xbox Ally Handheld Video Game Devices

Microsoft says that its coming ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming devices will be available by the year-end holiday season, with pricing soon to be disclosed. Ina FASSBENDER / AFP/File
Microsoft says that its coming ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming devices will be available by the year-end holiday season, with pricing soon to be disclosed. Ina FASSBENDER / AFP/File

Microsoft on Sunday unveiled its first Xbox-branded handheld gaming devices, touting them as a way to play its vast library of titles anywhere.

Two "ROG Xbox Ally" models made in a partnership with Taiwan-based ASUS will be available by the year-end holiday season, Xbox president Sarah Bond said during an online event showcasing games heading for the platform, AFP said.

"The Xbox Ally is an Xbox you can hold in your hands, bringing together the power of Xbox and the freedom of Windows," Bond said.

"On this Xbox, you can play games across your entire library, including all the Windows PC game stores from Xbox and Battle.net to Steam, GOG (Good Old Games platform) and Ubisoft Connect."

The peek at Xbox Ally came just days after the release of Nintendo's Switch 2, the handheld console that could score record early sales for the Japanese "Super Mario" creator.

The Nintendo device, which features a bigger screen and more processing power, is an upgrade to the Switch that became a global phenomenon with hit games such as "Animal Crossing."

Microsoft promised to disclose pricing and release date details for Xbox Ally in the coming months.

Both Xbox handhelds appeared similar to Microsoft console controllers in terms of buttons, toggles and grips but looked elongated to provide room for center screens.

"When you power on your Xbox Ally, you'll boot directly into the Xbox full screen experience, a new feature optimized specifically for handheld gaming," Microsoft said in a release.

"The Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are perfect for players looking to take an approachable gaming experience with you during travels -- whether it's between airports, or between the comfiest chairs in the living room."