Automakers will focus on electric cars and the booming market for SUV/crossovers at the Paris auto show. Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and General Motors' Opel unit will be among companies showing battery-powered cars with long driving ranges. Peugeot, Skoda and Land Rover debut SUV and crossover cars.
Here are some of the key debuts. The show's press days are Thursday and Friday.
Audi
Audi unveils the new generations of its Q5 and A5 models. The cars don't change too much in appearance but they have new platforms so they are lighter and roomier than the current models. The second-generation Q5 grows a little in size to distance it from the Q3. The new A5 coupe and A5 Sportback five-door model keep the elegant design of the current models but add more advanced connectivity features and better safety equipment including Audi's "virtual cockpit" and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smart phone connectivity.
BMW
The BMW X2 will give the brand another front-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive model. The small crossover, which will appear in Paris as a concept, is planned as a sporty alternative to the more practical X1. The X2 will sit on BMW'S UKL front-wheel-drive platform, also used by the X1 and the Europe-only 2-series Gran Tourer and Active Tourer minivanlike models, as well as by BMW's latest Mini models. BMW is also expected to debut a production i8 Spyder plug-in hybrid. It will have a longer-range battery and a more powerful electric motor that it will share with a revised i8 coupe that will also be unveiled.
Citroen
Citroen will highlight small and large cars with its show offerings. The new C3 subcompact hatchback will be a key debut for the brand. The latest version has design features that appear on the C4 Cactus, such as Airbumps, which help prevent damage to the exterior.