Francois Roudier’s Post

China Tightens Grip on EV Tech, Pushes for Local Assembly China’s pushing its carmakers to keep their advanced electric vehicle (EV) tech at home, even as these companies expand globally. The government’s encouraging automakers to export partially assembled vehicles, or “knock-down kits,” to avoid tariffs and protect their tech. This news, first reported by Bloomberg, comes as Chinese EV makers like BYD and Chery Automobile are setting up factories abroad. Keeping EV Tech Close China’s been pretty clear with its carmakers – keep your EV tech at home. Even as companies like BYD and Chery Automobile are expanding into countries like Spain, Thailand, and Hungary, the government wants the key […] by Haye Kesteloo #ev #BYD #China #Europe #India #Lucid #Make #Nissan #SEC #Tesla

Chinese-made EVs set to take 25% of European market this year, EU car manufacturers warn that a wave of cheaper models from China will undercut those produced by local companies. A quarter of electric vehicles sold in the EU this year will be made in China, as the country’s new entrants continue to take sales from local rivals, according to analysis from policy group Transport & Environment (T&E). About 19.5 per cent of battery cars sold in the bloc last year were manufactured in China, according to the company’s research, owing to rising European sales of Chinese-owned brands such as MG and BYD and factors such as US group Tesla using its Shanghai factory to supply parts of the European market. That percentage will rise to 25.3 per cent in 2024, according to T&E, as Chinese domestic manufacturers continue to take market share from established European brands across the continent. While many western manufacturers including Tesla, BMW and Renault make electric cars in China that they import to Europe, Chinese-branded EVs alone are set to account for 11 per cent of the EU’s electric car market this year, rising to 20 per cent by 2027. Chinese brands such as BYD have already risen from 0.4 per cent of the European EV market in 2019 to 8 per cent of sales last year. The findings come as Brussels finalises a probe into whether local subsidies have helped electric cars made in China undercut European-made models — an investigation widely expected to lead to an increase in tariffs on EVs coming in from China. Carmakers such as Renault and Stellantis have warned that a wave of cheaper Chinese models will undercut those produced by European companies #EVs #Batteries #China #Automotive #ElectricVehicles

Volvo has revised its goal of exclusively producing fully electric cars by 2030, now planning to continue selling some hybrid models beyond that date. The company cited shifting market conditions for stepping back from its previous target, which it announced just three years ago. This decision comes as the automotive industry grapples with slowing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in key markets and uncertainty caused by tariffs on EVs manufactured in China. Despite traditionally promoting its environmental credentials, Volvo joins other major automakers like General Motors and Ford in scaling back EV targets. Volvo now expects at least 90% of its production by 2030 to consist of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, while a small portion may still include mild hybrids—conventional vehicles with limited electric assistance. "Transition will not be linear" Volvo CEO Jim Rowan stated that while the company remains committed to an electric future, the shift to electrification is progressing unevenly across different markets. The company also pointed to challenges like slow charging infrastructure development and the end of consumer incentives for EV purchases. Independent equity analyst Anna McDonald highlighted ongoing consumer concerns about EV adoption, particularly the high cost and worries over charging. She also noted that tariffs on Chinese-made EVs in the US and Europe increase production costs, as manufacturers are forced to build vehicles outside China. EV registrations across the EU fell by nearly 11% in July, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. Volvo, majority-owned by Chinese company Geely, is directly affected by the tariffs, as it relies on factories in China for its EV production. Recently, Canada followed the US and EU by imposing a 100% tariff on imports of Chinese-made EVs, after accusations that China unfairly subsidizes its EV industry—a claim China has denied, labeling the tariffs as discriminatory.

From tariffs to technology restrictions, global challenges are mounting for Chinese carmakers. Yet BYD, China’s biggest automaker, has been unstoppable. Last month, BYD posted its fourth straight month of record global sales with 419,430 vehicles sold. Earlier this year, it seized the position as No. 1 carmaker by sales in China ahead of Volkswagen, which reigned for decades. BYD makes only fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, which together accounted for 53% of the Chinese market in September, according to figures released Saturday by the China Passenger Car Association. Western and Japanese automakers specializing in gasoline-powered vehicles, now fighting for a minority of the market, are getting hammered. GM’s September sales with joint venture partner SAIC Motor, with which it produces Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac cars, declined by more than three-quarters from a year earlier to 22,050 vehicles. Honda dropped 43%. Western carmakers like GM and Ford are scaling back their electric vehicle ambitions, making competition in China challenging. BYD is capitalizing on the growing frugality among Chinese consumers with its Qin L plug-in hybrid, which starts at approximately $14,100—significantly lower than the Toyota Camry's starting price of about $24,250. The Qin L boasts a remarkable range of up to 1,300 miles on a full charge and tank, featuring smart technology such as voice commands for climate and music control. With years of investment in battery production and fuel efficiency, BYD has established a strong position in the new-energy vehicle market. This year, BYD's plug-in hybrids have outsold its full EVs, with around 60% of its global sales in September coming from plug-ins. However, the company's international growth faces challenges due to tariffs imposed by the U.S. and EU on Chinese-made vehicles, which have slowed overseas sales despite strong domestic demand. Currently, over 90% of BYD's sales occur in China. BYD plans to establish a new manufacturing plant in central Mexico, focusing on electric vehicle production. The company is currently evaluating three potential locations and aims to finalize the site by the end of 2024. The plant is expected to produce up to 150,000 vehicles annually, primarily for the domestic market. 

Stellantis Opens European Order Books for Chinese-Built BEVs Despite pending EU tariffs on Chinese-import vehicles, Stellantis joint-venture partner Leapmotor starts selling bargain-basement battery-electric vehicle that Stellantis hopes it will give it a competitive edge over its rivals. http://spr.ly/6048oYAea #Automotive #AutomotiveTechnology #IndustryNews

😎🚗🚚09/02/2024: OICA's 5 major news items summarized **California issues draft regulations for operating autonomous trucks**   *Reuters - August 31, 2024*   #California's DMV issued draft regulations for #autonomous trucks, requiring safety drivers and sparking debate on safety and job security. Public feedback is open until October 14.   [Read more](https://lnkd.in/eGZuKCUZ) **U.S. delays final ruling to hike tariffs on EVs made in China**   *Reuters - David Lawder - August 30, 2024*   The #Biden administration postponed the final decision on increasing tariffs on Chinese-made EVs and other goods, following discussions with Chinese officials. A decision is expected soon.   [Read more](https://lnkd.in/eCAd2ghN) **China’s Chery bets on continuing petrol car demand as it enters UK market**   *Financial Times - Kana Inagaki - August 30, 2024*   CHERY enters the #UK market with petrol, hybrid, and electric vehicles, betting on sustained demand for combustion engines amid slower EV adoption. The company plans further expansion in Europe.   [Read more](https://lnkd.in/eN7uZBQi) **BYD takes over its German importer amid slow sales**   *Automotive News Europe - Armin Wutzer - August 30, 2024*   BYD takes control of its German distributor, Hedin Electric Mobility, after slow sales in #Germany, aiming to increase flexibility and market share in Europe's largest automotive market.   [Read more](https://lnkd.in/eeNVGnNk) **The Chinese are catching up: What German suppliers need to do now**   *Automobilwoche - Klaus-Dieter Flörecke - August 30, 2024*   Chinese automotive #suppliers are rapidly gaining global market share, challenging German companies. German suppliers must innovate and adapt to e-mobility trends to stay competitive.   [Read more](https://lnkd.in/eXCW7qPC)

Chinese companies take the top two spots in Brazil's first-quarter electrified car sales, accounting for at least 57% of units sold (Q2), which fares even better than their overall passenger car exports to the country (Q1). Q1: "According to data from Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services (via Reuters), passenger car imports rose by 46.4%. Chinese vehicles alone accounted for 40% as imports surged 450% over last year." Q2: "According to data from the Brazilian Electric Vehicle Association, Brazil’s electrified car sales soared 145% in the first three months of 2024 to 36,090. BYD led the charge with 14,939 units sold, GWM was second with 5,735, while Toyota placed third with 5,049." https://lnkd.in/ggDrrEd5

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are making pivotal developments in the European industry through strategic partnerships with local companies. This approach allows them to mitigate the impact of high EU tariffs, which can reach up to 𝟒𝟖%, thereby making Chinese EVs more affordable and competitive. In essence, one prominent example is Chery Automobile Co, which has joined forces with Spain's Ebro-EV Motors to produce the Omoda E5 in Barcelona. The former Nissan factory near Barcelona’s cargo port is set to become a central hub for Chery’s European operations, with plans to manufacture 𝟏𝟓𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 vehicles annually by 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟗. Leapmotor is further assembling its T03 city cars at a Stellantis-owned plant in Poland, using partially knocked-down kits to bypass high tariffs on fully assembled vehicles. BYD Co is also expanding its footprint with new factories planned in Hungary and Turkey, while Zeekr, a Geely subsidiary, is considering leveraging existing Geely-owned production sites. Furthermore, the entry of Chinese EVs into Europe poses a substantial challenge to established European car manufacturers, necessitating alliances with Chinese companies or the closure of some production sites to remain competitive. For instance, SAIC Motor Corp is establishing its first European production site in Spain, while Volvo Car AB, under Geely, is boosting EX30 production at its plant in Ghent, Belgium. In this regard, flow batteries can enhance EV performance with their scalable energy storage and longer lifecycle, potentially reducing costs and boosting competitiveness for manufacturers like those from China. Their sustainability and flexibility align with European regulations, supporting market entry and expansion in countries such as Germany and Spain. Additionally, integrating flow batteries could drive local manufacturing and supply chain development. To gain a comprehensive analysis of the 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭, request a FREE sample & access our detailed report summary here: https://lnkd.in/dCFEWgi2 . . . EBRO Leapmotor BYD SAIC Motor #flowbattery #informationtechnology #consumertechnology #electricvehicles #europeanregulations #energystorage #markettrends #inkwoodresearch

😎🚗🚚10/30/2024: OICA's 5 major #automotive news summarized: **E-mobility: the switch could cost 190,000 jobs by 2035 in Germany**   *Automobilwoche - Michael Knauer - October 29, 2024*   #Germany's transition to electric vehicles may result in a net loss of 190,000 jobs by 2035, as per a German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) study. Job cuts in traditional roles outpace new high-skilled positions. VDA's Hildegard Müller urges reforms to enhance competitiveness or risk losing jobs abroad.   [Read more](https://lnkd.in/eNN5i8V9)  **EU Imposes Tariffs on China EVs, Risking Retaliation**   *Bloomberg - October 30, 2024*   The #EU has introduced #tariffs up to 45% on Chinese EVs, citing unfair subsidies, despite risks of Chinese retaliatory tariffs. Concerns rise among European automakers about impact on Chinese sales, while ongoing EU-#China negotiations seek alternative resolutions.   [Read more](https://lnkd.in/eZQ9eDte)  **Maruti Suzuki Worried About Low Demand for Small Car Business**   *Bloomberg - Satviki Sanjay - October 30, 2024*   Facing weak demand in the small car segment, Maruti Suzuki India Limited's profits fell 17% in Q3. Chairman R.C. Bhargava emphasizes expansion plans despite challenges, aiming for 50% market share by 2031-32.   [Read more](https://lnkd.in/ehQJDq_3)  **Why EU van makers are worried about 2025 CO2 emissions targets**   *Automotive News Europe - Nick Gibbs - October 29, 2024*   EU automakers are struggling with 2025 #CO₂ targets for light commercial vehicles (#LCV) due to low electric van sales, which are only 6% of the market. Diesel remains dominant, complicating automakers' compliance efforts.   [Read more](https://lnkd.in/eSV7aDiB)  **European car safety agency snubs BYD's Atto 3 driver assistance system**   *Reuters - October 29, 2024*   Euro NCAP - For Safer Cars, Vans & Trucks rated BYD's Atto 3 EV driver assistance system as “not recommended,” citing weak collision prevention and driver monitoring. This challenges BYD's European market expansion as competitors rate higher on safety standards.   [Read more](https://lnkd.in/eZgQkhzV)

German car manufacturers are clearly facing a bumpy road ahead ⚠️ — but what’s causing the hurdles and how tough will it get? What is causing the hurdles for German car manufacturers #VW, #Mercedes and #BMW? 1️⃣ Competition from Chinese EV Manufacturers: Take BYD, for example. In 2023, BYD’s share of the global electric car market (both BEV and PHEV) was over 20%. Their strategy? Offering affordable models while securing margins through in-house battery supply chains. With CATL and BYD controlling over 50% of the global battery market, they’re dominating the EV sector. (Source: IEA Global EV Outlook 2024)   2️⃣Slow transition into EV's: VW launched its ID.3 in 2019, years after Tesla’s Model S and Model 3 gained traction. Meanwhile, Chinese companies like BYD were already established EV leaders. Germany's delayed shift to electrification was partly due to its strong reliance on diesel and internal combustion engines. 3️⃣High German energy and wage costs: Germany’s electricity costs are €20.3 cents/kWh, compared to €8.4 cents/kWh in China and the U.S. Furthermore, the country’s labor costs, at €62 per hour in 2023, are the highest globally for passenger car manufacturing. (Source: Bavarian Industry Association, VDA and Reuters) How tough will it get for German manufacturers?   1️⃣ Tough Road ahead in the EU for German EVs Manufactured in China Amid EU Tariffs: As Germany wanted to protect its domestic car manufacturers, who have significant investments in China, last October Germany voted against proposed EU tariffs on Chinese EV's but could not prevent new tariffs from being imposed, which will apply rates of 17% on BYD, 18.8% on Geely, and 35.3% on state-owned SAIC. Other EV manufacturers in China, including Volkswagen and BMW, would be subject to a 20.7% duty. 2️⃣ Tough times already in China: Chinese Buyers Are Ditching German Cars For Local Brands: China, the largest market for VW, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, has seen a drop in sales: VW and Mercedes both saw a 10% decrease, while BMW’s sales fell by 13%. In 2023, new electric car registrations in China reached 8.1 million in 2023.   3️⃣Tough times in USA in 2025: Proposed tarifs by president-elect Trump on EU products in 2025: The U.S. market—currently the second largest for VW, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz after China—could become significantly more challenging for these German carmakers. VW sells 8% of it's cars in the USA, Mercedes and BMW each 16% in the USA.   A positive note to end: Despite these challenges, BMW increased its R&D spending by 27% in the first nine months of 2024, driving the company further down the path to a sustainable future!   👍 Enjoyed this? Follow me for updates! 🔁 Share if you found this valuable!   #madeingermany #evmarket #tariff #westmeetseast