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Volkswagen CEO Urges EU Action as Chinese Automakers Expand in Europe
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Firstpost•12-10-2026, 14:37
Volkswagen CEO Urges EU Action as Chinese Automakers Expand in Europe
- •Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume called on European leaders to protect the local automotive industry from increasing Chinese competition.
- •Chinese brands have significantly expanded their market share in Western Europe, particularly in plug-in hybrids, despite existing EU tariffs.
- •Volkswagen is undertaking the largest restructuring in its 89-year history, involving thousands of job cuts and potential factory closures to reduce costs.
- •Blume emphasized that both industry competitiveness and supportive government frameworks are necessary to counter low-cost rivals.
Key Questions Answered
Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume urged European leaders to establish regulatory conditions that allow European businesses to compete more effectively against lower-cost Chinese rivals and protect the region’s automotive industry.
Chinese brands accounted for more than 26 per cent of Western Europe's plug-in hybrid market in the second quarter, marking a massive surge compared to just 2.2 per cent during the same period two years earlier.
Volkswagen is planning thousands of job cuts, aiming for a total reduction of up to 100,000 roles, alongside considering the closure of as many as four German plants to lower costs and improve its financial position.
