Europe’s Electric-Vehicle Market Shifts Gears
Tariffs Take a Toll on Chinese Automakers
The European Union’s recent imposition of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) has significantly impacted the market share of Chinese automakers in the region. According to automotive researcher Dataforce, Chinese manufacturers such as BYD Co. and SAIC Motor Corp.’s MG accounted for only 7.4% of EV registrations across Europe in November, down from 8.2% in October. This marks the lowest level since March.
State Aid Investigation Leads to Tariffs
The EU’s investigation into state aid for China’s EV industry found that it provided an unfair advantage, leading to the imposition of added tariffs ranging from 10% to 35% on imported cars. While all EVs produced in China are subject to the tariffs, the amounts vary depending on the level of support received and cooperation with the EU’s probe.
MG Takes a Hit, BYD Presses On
MG, once the top-selling Chinese carmaker in Europe, has seen a significant decline in registrations, with a 58% drop last month from a year earlier. In contrast, BYD has continued to grow, with registrations more than doubling in November to 4,796 vehicles. According to Julian Litzinger, an analyst with Dataforce, BYD’s growth is healthy, with nearly 80% of its registrations attributed to private and fleet customers.
Global EV Market Faces Uncertainty
The shift toward EVs has slowed in 2024, becoming more unpredictable and leading automakers to reassess their strategies. Chinese automakers are taking steps to localize production in Europe, but these efforts will take time to mature. Globally, car companies are looking for ways to share costs as they try to keep up with expensive technological change.
UK Remains a Bright Spot for Chinese EV Makers
While Chinese EV makers faced significant declines in Germany and France, they posted a 17% year-over-year gain in the UK, which isn’t a member of the EU and hasn’t adopted the tariffs. This highlights the complexity of the global EV market, where different regions are responding differently to the shift toward electric vehicles.
Industry Faces Challenges Ahead
The industry, which employs hundreds of thousands of workers in Germany, France, and Italy, is struggling with the transition away from combustion-powered cars. Lower battery costs have given Chinese firms a price advantage, but this has stirred protectionist impulses as officials in the US and EU work to shield local automakers. As the market continues to evolve, automakers will need to adapt quickly to stay ahead.
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