Stellantis and Renault back UK to get EU car industry protection
News Source
β’Mon, 12 Oct 2026 17:22:05 GMT
π° What Happened
Stellantis and Renault have backed including the UK car industry in proposed EU rules that would protect European manufacturers. The executives said Britain should effectively be counted as an EU member for the 'Made in Europe' legislation. The rules aim to make sure EU subsidies and public contracts help European industry rather than foreign makers. The bosses also urged the UK government to limit imports of Chinese cars. They spoke at the Paris motor show, which France's president attended.
π The Backstory
Europe's car makers face a rush of cheaper electric vehicles from China, backed by state support. The EU has already moved to cap imports of Chinese hybrid vehicles at 350,000 a year. Chinese brands such as Li Auto, GAC and Chery showed off expansion plans in Paris. At the same time, European factories are cutting jobs as the shift to electric cars reshapes the industry. The UK built cars for decades as part of a Europe-wide supply chain.
π― Why It Matters
Car industry rules affect jobs, prices and what vehicles people can buy, in Europe, Britain and beyond.
Stellantis and Renault have backed including the UK car industry in proposed EU rules that would protect European manufacturers. The executives said Britain should effectively be counted as an EU member for the 'Made in Europe' legislation. The rules aim to make sure EU subsidies and public contracts help European industry rather than foreign makers. The bosses also urged the UK government to limit imports of Chinese cars. They spoke at the Paris motor show, which France's president attended.
Europe's car makers face a rush of cheaper electric vehicles from China, backed by state support. The EU has already moved to cap imports of Chinese hybrid vehicles at 350,000 a year. Chinese brands such as Li Auto, GAC and Chery showed off expansion plans in Paris. At the same time, European factories are cutting jobs as the shift to electric cars reshapes the industry. The UK built cars for decades as part of a Europe-wide supply chain.
Car industry rules affect jobs, prices and what vehicles people can buy, in Europe, Britain and beyond.