Stellantis Braces for Battle with Chinese EV Rivals in Europe

Stellantis, one of the world's leading automotive manufacturers, is gearing up for a significant confrontation with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) producers in the European market. The company’s Chief Executive, Carlos Tavares, expressed deep concerns on Wednesday about the impact of this competition on jobs and production within the region.

Growing Tensions Over EV Trade

In an interview with Reuters, Tavares articulated his strongest warnings yet as geopolitical tensions surrounding EV trade between Beijing, Brussels, and Washington intensify. The European Union is poised to make a decision next month on whether to follow the United States in imposing additional tariffs on Chinese EV manufacturers. U.S. officials have announced plans to impose duties of up to 100% on Chinese-made EVs and EV materials by August 1.

Tavares criticized the proposed tariffs on Chinese vehicles imported to Europe and the United States, calling them “a major trap for the countries that go on that path.” He argued that these tariffs would not help Western automakers avoid the need to restructure to meet the competitive challenge posed by lower-cost Chinese manufacturers.

Impending European Commission Decision

The European Commission is set to unveil an initial decision regarding potential tariffs on Chinese EV imports on June 5. In response, China has been threatening to implement counter tariffs. Tavares warned of the social consequences of such a trade war, highlighting that absorbing a 30% cost competitiveness edge in favor of the Chinese would lead to significant social impacts that European governments are currently unwilling to confront.

“Tariffs would only fuel inflation in the regions where they are imposed, potentially impacting sales and production,” Tavares explained. “We are not talking about a Darwinian period; we are in it,” he said at the Reuters Events Automotive Europe conference in Munich. He added that the price battle with Asian rivals would be “very tough.”

Challenges for the Automotive Industry

“This is not going to be easy for the dealers. It’s not going to be easy for the suppliers. It’s not going to be easy for the OEMs. As we know in Europe, everybody is talking about change as long as change is for somebody else,” Tavares said, highlighting the widespread impact on the automotive ecosystem.

Italy’s nationalist government has been urging Stellantis to increase its vehicle production to 1 million units per year in the country, up from 750,000 last year. While Tavares did not directly address Italy’s demands, he acknowledged the overcapacity issue looming over the European auto sector.

Chinese Market Penetration

Chinese automakers are on track to sell 1.5 million vehicles in Europe, capturing a 10% market share, equivalent to the output of up to 10 assembly plants, Tavares noted. “If we let the share of the Chinese OEMs grow, then it’s obvious that you are going to create an overcapacity, unless you fight against that competition,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Tavares highlighted “very rewarding discussions” with labor unions at Stellantis’ European operations, noting that most union representatives agree on the risks and necessary strategies to navigate this period.

Stellantis-Leapmotor Joint Venture

In a strategic move, Stellantis recently announced it would begin selling EVs from its Chinese partner Leapmotor outside China, starting in Europe this September. This joint venture marks the first collaboration between a Western and a Chinese carmaker aimed at selling and producing EVs from a Chinese manufacturer outside China. Tavares believes this partnership will help Stellantis expand its global offerings of budget vehicles.

“We will try to be Chinese ourselves, which means instead of being purely defensive vis-à-vis the Chinese offensive, we want to be part of the Chinese offensive,” Tavares said. This approach signifies Stellantis' commitment to not just compete but also to integrate and leverage Chinese manufacturing efficiencies in its global strategy.

Conclusion

As Stellantis braces for intensified competition with Chinese EV manufacturers in Europe, the company’s strategy will focus on adapting to market dynamics, engaging with labor unions, and leveraging strategic partnerships. The outcome of the upcoming European Commission decision on tariffs will play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape of the European automotive market. Stellantis aims to navigate these challenges while expanding its footprint and maintaining its competitive edge in the global EV market.