The European market is facing a large influx of Chinese manufacturers who are increasingly threatening the already weakened European car industry. After the cancellation of subsidies and the start of an investigation due to the privileged position of electric vehicles produced in China, European manufacturers are increasingly thinking about joining forces to oppose the Chinese.

The head of the Renault Group, Luca de Meo said at the Geneva International Auto Show that European manufacturers should cooperate more closely, especially when it comes to the affordability of electric cars. Talks between Renault Group and Volkswagen have already started.

Last month, Luca de Meo stated that Europe is facing major challenges and that the alienation and disorientation of the European automotive industry will lead to a structural trade deficit for Europe. He also warns that the phase-out of internal combustion engines, which is planned for 2035, could mean a decrease in the competitiveness of the European car industry. According to him, ICEs have been a protective barrier for Europeans for years, and now with the development of electric cars and the increased need for batteries, that protection is disappearing because the Chinese control 75 percent of global battery production.

As a successful collaboration, de Meo gave the example of Peugeot, Citroen and Toyota that collaborated on the C1, P107 and Aygo models in the 2000s, but also the partnership of Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Fiat and Saab in the use of a common platform that is was the basis for four great sedans from the nineties.

“Speed is important against the Chinese. We are in an uncertain world. In the past, when we had cars with internal combustion engines, we could predict what was coming. Now, if you take four or five years to react, it is too late,” said de Meo.

Source: Automotive News Europe