If necessary, we will build cars in Europe
Things are going fast for Chinese EVs in Europe. In 2020, just over 1 percent of electric cars sold in the EU were Chinese-made, now that figure is 5.6 percent. The European Commission is not happy with that. She announces measures, to which the Chinese react laconically.
The European Commission is concerned about the rise of Chinese cars in the EU. During her annual State of the Union address on September 13, President Ursula von der Leyen announced that she would investigate possible state aid to Chinese manufacturers, which she suspects will allow Chinese EVs to be on average twenty percent cheaper than European competitors, also known as called dumping. If the outcome of that investigation confirms her suspicions, Von der Leyen wants to impose import duties.
Last week we visited the Chinese automotive manufacturer Chery in Wuhu, among other things to get acquainted with the brands Omoda, Jaecoo and Exlantix, with which Chery wants to conquer its place on the European and Dutch market from next year. We spoke with Vice President Steve Eum, among others, and asked him about his view on the European Commission’s allegations. He denies that Chery receives even the slightest state aid and suspects other motives: “Apparently they are starting to get scared of Chinese cars in Europe,” he says with a satisfied smile. “If it really gets to the point where they start bothering us with import duties, we will consider production in Europe.”
You can soon read an extensive story about the Chinese invasion, the background and the pros and cons in the AutoWeek 2024 special.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl