French media: EU official hints at measures against Chinese car production bases in Europe

Stéphane Séjourné, the Executive Vice President of the European Commission responsible for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, said in an interview on Friday that the EU needs to protect its automotive industry from the impact of Chinese competition, including re-evaluating its 2035 target for zero-emission new cars and trucks.

Séjourné pointed out that the EU should also consider export diversification and establish new regulations to ensure European production. The former French foreign minister told the Italian newspaper "La Repubblica": "We must be less naive and return to the standards of major economies. We are the only continent lacking strategic thinking in industrial policy."

Séjourné warned: "If we do not take intervention measures, European car production and sales will fall from 13 million to 9 million within ten years."

Séjourné said: "We must show flexibility in achieving the 2035 goal of completely phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles." The EU is expected to reassess this target by the end of the year in response to car manufacturers' calls that a complete shift to electric vehicles is no longer feasible.

Séjourné stated that European car manufacturers should explore new sales markets, and companies should also reduce bureaucratic procedures. Earlier this week, he said the European Commission plans to announce a new category of low-cost small electric vehicles to counter Chinese competition and revitalize the internal market. This is part of a broader strategy to be announced on December 10th.

Séjourné also hinted at taking measures against Chinese production bases in Europe. He said: "Now, some manufacturers use Chinese parts and Chinese employees to assemble Chinese cars in Europe: this situation exists in Spain and Hungary. It is unacceptable."

When asked whether Europe should take protectionist measures, Séjourné said, "It is necessary to set conditions for foreign investments in Europe," but he added that tariffs would cause trade tensions and harm production.

Séjourné also mentioned that to reduce dependence on Chinese rare earth minerals, Europe should consider new suppliers - such as Brazil, Canada, and African countries - limit the use of rare earths, increase recycling rates, and invest in potential local mining areas.

Source: rfi

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848136198556809/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author.