Weeks after Europe imposed additional tariffs on electric vehicles made in China, the country’s car companies were defiant at France’s leading auto event.

Chinese and European automakers are going head-to-head at the Paris car show on Monday, with tensions running high as the EU gears up to impose hefty import tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and the industry struggles with weak demand.

Struggling European automakers need to prove they are still in the game, while Chinese rivals are aiming to get a foothold in a competitive market.

Auto giants have descended on the Paris Motor Show to showcase their latest concepts and production models. The biennial trade show, which opened on Monday and runs through to Sunday, comes as Europe's carmakers contend with some hard truths on the road to full electrification.