BMW Chief Executive Officer Milan Nedeljkovic has warned that the growing presence of low-cost Chinese vehicles in Europe could put further pressure on the continent’s automotive industry, while opposing additional tariffs on Chinese imports.
Nedeljkovic said some Chinese vehicles were being offered at prices that were difficult to explain from a business perspective, a situation he said could increase protectionist pressures across Europe.
The European Union is considering measures to address its growing trade imbalance with China, including possible action involving Chinese plug-in hybrid vehicles. Some European automotive executives and policymakers have also called for expanded tariffs and local-content requirements to protect domestic manufacturers.
However, Nedeljkovic argued that higher tariffs could deepen trade tensions and potentially trigger retaliation. Instead, he backed political dialogue between Europe and China aimed at establishing fair, market-based pricing arrangements.
BMW has previously criticised EU duties on Chinese electric vehicles, warning that stronger trade barriers could lead to a broader confrontation.
The German automaker also produces its all-electric Mini in China for export, giving it a direct interest in the evolving trade relationship between Europe and the Chinese automotive industry.
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