Volkswagen chief Oliver Blume is urging France and Germany to work together to strengthen Europe’s car industry as Chinese competitors increase their presence.
His appeal comes as the Paris Motor Show opens, with Chinese manufacturers accounting for roughly 40% of participating car brands, according to the Financial Times. Their growing presence highlights the competitive pressure facing Europe’s established manufacturers.
Volkswagen presented its response at an event in Paris on October 11: share more technology across brands, reduce development costs and bring vehicles to market faster. Its four-model electric urban car family shares more than 80% of components and technologies and had attracted almost 150,000 orders, the company said.
The political challenge is finding a common approach that supports European production while preserving competition and affordable choices for buyers. That tension also runs through Europe’s harder stance on China.
For carmakers, political support can help, but profitability will also depend on producing competitive vehicles at prices customers can afford.
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content is for informational and educational purposes only.
