At the Paris car show on Monday, the competitive landscape between Chinese and European automakers intensified as the European Union prepares to implement significant import tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs). This year’s event, the largest automotive showcase in Europe, arrives at a critical juncture as European manufacturers face sluggish demand and seek to assert their relevance in a rapidly evolving market.
Executives from both regions expressed concerns regarding the proposed tariffs and their potential impact on consumers. Stella Li, executive vice president of Chinese EV manufacturer BYD, emphasized the consequences, stating, “Who pays the bill? Consumers. So this makes people very concerned. It will stop poorer people from buying.” Meanwhile, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares warned that imposing tariffs could prompt Chinese automakers to establish manufacturing plants in Europe, exacerbating overcapacity and threatening the viability of local manufacturers.
This year, nine Chinese brands, including BYD and Leapmotor, are showcasing their latest models, maintaining the same presence as in 2022, when they represented nearly half of the brands at the event. However, in 2023, these brands account for only about one-fifth of the total participants, reflecting a resurgent European automotive industry determined to defend its market position.
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