While rivals roll out new models and concept cars, Fiat has little to show at the Paris auto show besides another variant of its retro-styled 500 compact car, in what is starting to look like a worrying trend for its namesake brand.

Renault is considering the complete closure of its factories because of the dire state of the European car market, the company’s chief operating officer said yesterday.

DESIGNS for a carbon-conscious world took front place as car makers revealed their latest high-tech models at the Paris auto show, hoping for rebound in a struggling car market.