VW Chief Backs EU 'Made in Europe' Push to Counter China
Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume endorses EU proposals to strengthen European industry amid pressure from lower-cost Chinese automakers.
Volkswagen chief executive Oliver Blume has thrown his support behind European Union proposals aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing, saying European automakers must be able to compete on equal footing with Chinese rivals whose lower-priced vehicles are rapidly gaining ground in the global market.
Blume made his remarks in Paris ahead of the motor show this week, arguing that EU 'Made in Europe' rules 'must reward real value creation in Europe.' His comments reflect growing anxiety among legacy automakers about the competitive threat posed by Chinese manufacturers who have undercut established brands on price.
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The EU has been weighing a range of measures to protect and strengthen its domestic industrial base, including automotive manufacturing, as Chinese electric vehicle brands accelerate their expansion into European markets. Blume's public endorsement signals that at least some major carmakers see regulatory frameworks — rather than price cuts alone — as part of the competitive response.
For Volkswagen, the stakes are particularly high. The German automaker has faced mounting pressure on multiple fronts, including sluggish EV demand in key markets and intensifying cost competition from Chinese brands that benefit from lower production costs and substantial state support back home.
Blume's alignment with the EU's industrial policy push marks a notable moment of convergence between a major private automaker and Brussels regulators, who have clashed with industry on other issues such as emissions standards. Whether stricter 'Made in Europe' criteria can meaningfully shift competitive dynamics remains to be seen. Continue reading at Business | The Guardian.
