BRUSSELS – The Brussels Motor Show, Europe’s first major automotive exhibition of the year, has opened its doors, drawing attention with a higher number of participants and five global premieres. Beyond showcasing new models, the event sent a clear strategic message from European manufacturers amid intensifying competition and tougher industrial policies: “Production will remain in Europe.”
One of Europe’s largest automotive gatherings, the Brussels Motor Show welcomed more than 60 brands, transforming the event into a platform reflecting Europe’s industrial stance against Chinese manufacturers and global competition. With five world premieres and 10 European launches, the show underscored its growing importance following the removal of the Geneva Motor Show from the international calendar. Brussels has now become the first major global stage of the year for European automakers.
Competition and Policy Tighten
The increasing presence of Chinese brands at the show was striking. Companies such as BYD, MG, Omoda and Leapmotor showcased broad product lineups, highlighting that competition in the European market is no longer limited to price and technology, but is increasingly shaped by production locations and industrial policy.
European manufacturers, meanwhile, responded with new electric and hybrid models aimed directly at Chinese rivals, emphasizing regulatory compliance, brand perception and production origin as key competitive factors.
The “Made in EU” Emphasis
According to reporting by Hürriyet, European brands made it clear that they are not conceding ground on price, technology or driving range, while strongly highlighting the message “Designed in Europe, Produced in Europe.” This approach was widely interpreted as a reflection of the European Union’s emerging “Made in EU” strategy.
Local production, supply chain security and industrial independence emerged as central themes of the show. In this sense, Brussels was seen not merely as a car exhibition, but as a showcase of the EU’s evolving industrial and competitive roadmap for the automotive sector.
Highlights From the Show Floor
Journalists attending the event at the invitation of Peugeot highlighted several standout models:
Kia EV2 Unveiled
Kia lifted the curtain on its compact and affordable all-electric EV2 in Brussels. Designed primarily for urban use, the model is expected to launch in Europe at around €30,000. Scheduled to go on sale in Türkiye from March, the EV2 will offer two battery options—42 kWh and 61 kWh—with a driving range between 317 km and 448 km.
Zeekr’s First Step in a New Plan
Chinese automaker Zeekr introduced its new 7GT model, positioning it as the first step in its European expansion strategy. Featuring a shooting brake body style, the 7GT is built on an 800-volt architecture and measures approximately 4.8 meters in length. Available in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions, the top variants accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 5.3 seconds, with a declared range of 519–655 km.
Opel Astra Updated
Opel showcased its updated C-segment hatchback, the Astra, with a refreshed front design including revised lighting and bumper elements. The model will feature the brand’s new 1.2-liter hybrid powertrain, with diesel options also possible. The updated Astra is expected to go on sale in Türkiye in the first half of the year.
Facelifted Peugeot 408 Debuts
Stellantis made a strong impression at the 102nd edition of the Brussels Motor Show, displaying 62 vehicles from 11 brands. Among the highlights was the global debut of the facelifted Peugeot 408, a model that sells more units in Türkiye than in any other market worldwide.
The updated fastback features redesigned front and rear styling, a new three-claw daytime running light signature at the front, and—marking a first for the brand—an illuminated “Peugeot” script at the rear. The powertrain has also been updated with a 48-volt hybrid system. The refreshed 408 is expected to go on sale from April 2026, initially with a 1.2-liter hybrid engine option.
Overall, the Brussels Motor Show reinforced Europe’s determination to defend its automotive industry through local production, regulatory strength and industrial strategy, as competition with Chinese manufacturers continues to intensify.