In the quest for a suitable replacement for her French-made gasoline-powered SUV, Laima Springe-Janssen meticulously evaluated various options, ultimately narrowing her choices down to models offered by Volvo and Nissan.
However, as she delved deeper into the specifications and features of the Volvo, she quickly realized that the additional extras she desired would undeniably stretch her budget beyond its limits.
On the other hand, while the Nissan did possess its own merits, it somehow lacked that certain “wow factor” that Springe-Janssen yearned for.
After much contemplation, the resident of Copenhagen, Denmark, made a decision that surprised even herself – she opted to purchase a compact SUV from China’s renowned automaker, BYD.
The Atto 3 SUV, priced at approximately $50,000, not only fulfilled her requirements but also exceeded her expectations with its impressive array of enticing features.
From a 360-degree dash cam to two years of complimentary charging and even an additional set of winter tires, the Atto 3 SUV came loaded with a plethora of enticing goodies that Springe-Janssen simply could not resist.
It was a purchase she wholeheartedly adored, and one that left her thoroughly satisfied.
The admiration for the BYD vehicle has reached such heights that her husband is seriously contemplating purchasing another one to replace their existing car, which happens to be from Volkswagen’s Skoda brand.
This profound liking for the BYD car can be attributed to its exceptional features, impeccable performance, and remarkable reliability.
The husband’s inclination towards acquiring another BYD vehicle is a testament to the brand’s ability to captivate its customers and establish a strong sense of loyalty.
Furthermore, this decision showcases the husband’s confidence in BYD’s commitment to producing high-quality automobiles that meet and exceed the expectations of its discerning clientele.
The potential replacement of their current car with another BYD model not only highlights the husband’s satisfaction with the brand but also speaks volumes about BYD’s growing prominence in the automotive industry.
As a result, this choice holds significant implications for both the couple’s personal preferences and the overall market dynamics, further solidifying BYD’s position as a formidable contender in the competitive automobile market.
In a surprising turn of events, the words “I’m sorry, Europe. Go home,” reverberated through the air, leaving a lingering sense of disbelief.
These words, spoken with a fervent enthusiasm, served as a stark reminder of the shifting dynamics in the global automotive industry.
Chinese automakers have been steadily gaining ground in Europe’s electric vehicle market, posing a formidable challenge to long-established domestic brands.
This development is particularly significant as the electric vehicle sector plays a pivotal role in Europe’s ambitious green energy transition.
Consequently, the European Union has taken notice of this competitive threat and has launched an investigation into Beijing’s support for its electric vehicle industry.
This move not only reflects the growing tensions between the West and China in the realm of technology but also highlights the intricate relationship between Europe and its largest trading partner, China, which also happens to be the world’s largest automobile market.
The current state of affairs in the global race for green technology has put the 27-nation bloc of Europe in a challenging position.
China’s aggressive push in the electric vehicle (EV) market, coupled with substantial clean energy funding in the United States that has diverted investment away from Europe, has left the region caught in the middle.
One of the main reasons Chinese EV makers are increasingly targeting Europe is the significantly lower auto import tariffs compared to the United States.
With tariffs at just 10% in Europe, as opposed to 27.5% in the US, it becomes an attractive market for Chinese manufacturers.
Additionally, Europe boasts the second-largest EV battery market worldwide, after China. Despite any geopolitical concerns, European consumers who prioritize climate-consciousness and grapple with rising living costs are enthusiastic about the affordability, feature-packed nature, and stylish design of Chinese EVs.
For them, worries about the impact on local carmakers and employment are not a significant factor. A prime example is British retiree John Kirkwood, who opted to replace his Volkswagen Passat with an MG5 station wagon three years ago.
The decision was primarily driven by the significantly lower price tag of £30,000 ($36,000) compared to its closest rival, a Kia, which cost thousands more.
Kirkwood expressed his admiration for the British brand MG, noting its pleasantness, tranquility, refinement, and impressive speed.
He further mentioned that he harbored minimal concerns regarding the fact that MG is owned by SAIC Motor, China’s largest automaker. In terms of electric vehicles (EVs), MG stands as the leading Chinese player in the European market.
However, there are other notable contenders, such as BYD, which is experiencing rapid growth and is supported by renowned investor Warren Buffett.
Geely, on the other hand, not only owns Sweden’s Volvo but also possesses a range of EV brands including Polestar, Lynk & Co., and the esteemed British sportscar manufacturer, Lotus.
Additionally, there are numerous startups, namely NIO and Xpeng, that have emerged in this sector. Although their collective sales represent a small fraction of the 9.2 million vehicles sold in Europe annually, these companies have been swiftly gaining traction in the relatively smaller EV market.
Chinese automakers currently hold a relatively small share of Western Europe’s overall car market, accounting for only about 3%.
However, their presence in the electric vehicle (EV) market is growing significantly, with a market share of 8.4%, up from 6.2% the previous year and nearly nothing in 2019, according to data from Schmidt.
This surge in Chinese EVs is causing concerns within Europe’s automotive industry, which is a key economic sector centered in France and Germany and employing millions of workers.
As the industry undergoes a transition from fossil fuels to electricity, there is a growing need for it to remain competitive.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed worries about the influx of cheaper Chinese electric cars in global markets, emphasizing that their low prices are sustained by substantial state subsidies.
In response to these concerns, the European Commission has initiated an investigation, which is expected to last up to 13 months and may lead to the imposition of import duties.
The recent investigation launched by the European Union (EU) into Chinese electric vehicle (EV) exports has stirred strong reactions from Beijing.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry has expressed “strong dissatisfaction” and vowed to “firmly safeguard” the rights of Chinese companies.
According to the Ministry, the EU probe is based on “subjective assumptions,” lacks sufficient evidence, and goes against World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that global automakers build vehicles in China and have exported 164,300 EVs to Europe this year.
This means that one in every five EVs sold in Europe is a Chinese import. The investigation is looking at China’s EV exports “regardless of the brand.” French automaker Stellantis, which owns several auto brands, including Peugeot, Citroen, Alfa Romeo, and Fiat, has vowed to fight back against China’s EVs.
The company’s CEO, Carlos Tavares, has described the situation as a “Chinese invasion in a European market” and is responding with a new Citroen e-C3 cheap compact.
Meanwhile, Shanghai-based startup Aiways, headed by Volvo’s former China sales chief, has rejected accusations that Beijing provides a helping hand.
The company is focusing on Europe and Israel instead of China, where the auto market is already crowded. The EU should be working towards a green future “rather than keeping competition out,” said Alexander Klose, the vice president of overseas operations at Aiways.
One reason why Chinese companies can offer high-quality cars at affordable prices is due to the rules to enter the Chinese market.
Global automakers had to team up with local companies, providing them with crucial automaking knowhow. “They were kind of like the sous chefs to the Western companies,” said Schmidt, the auto analyst. “
The situation now is those sous chefs are opening up their own restaurants and, in some cases, better than their masters’ restaurants.”
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are facing intense competition in the market, and as a result, they are striving to distinguish themselves from their rivals.
One such company is Great Wall Motors’ EV sub-brand Ora, which specializes in producing SUVs. Ora has taken a unique approach by targeting women, designing cars that cater specifically to their body sizes and daily requirements.
One of their standout models, the Ora Funky Cat, has garnered attention with its retro round headlights, an exclamation mark on its hood badge, and a price tag of £32,000 ($38,600).
This particular vehicle caught the eye of British scriptwriter Justin Nicholls, who purchased one for his wife. Nicholls praised the car’s aesthetics and technological features, highlighting its ease of driving and the impression of being a larger, more luxurious vehicle.
Additionally, the Ora Funky Cat’s distinctive design appealed to Nicholls as it stood out from the more common European cars like Volkswagens, Peugeots, and BMWs, offering a more unconventional and quirky option.