Chinese electric car makers make drive for European buyers at Geneva show

After unveiling the new electric R5, Renault chief executive Luca de Meo insisted Europe's car industry was 'up for the challenge'

The new MG3 electric model car is presented at the booth of MG Motor company owned by Chinese state-owned carmaker SAIC at the Geneva International Motor Show in Geneva on Monday. According to French auto consultancy Inovev, with sales of 230,000 cars last year. MG sold two out of three Chinese-made cars in Europe. Picture: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images

Renault and the Chinese-owned MG launched new electrified cars in Europe at the Geneva car show, as Chinese car makers seek to take more market share from legacy European rivals.

Europe's car industry is scrambling to cut costs and roll out more affordable, well-reviewed electric vehicles to counter the arrival of cheaper Chinese models.