Driving with Dunne Europe Under Maximum (China EV) Pressure: Roger Atkins, Founder, Electric Vehicles Outlook
Nov 8, 2024
Roger Atkins, founder of Electric Vehicles Outlook and a seasoned auto industry analyst, shares insights into the mounting challenges Europe faces with the influx of Chinese EVs. He discusses how Chinese brands like Xpeng and BYD are impressing with their speed, which is pressuring European automakers already struggling in China. Roger describes the delicate balance between Europe’s climate goals and protecting domestic industries, advocating for strategic partnerships with Chinese firms. Plus, he humorously reviews his experiences with the VW ID.Buzz, from its practicality to software frustrations.
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Europe’s EV Schism Threatens Industry
- Europe faces a schism: aggressive climate goals vs protecting its auto industry from cheap Chinese EVs.
- Roger Atkins warns tariffs risk undermining climate targets and provoking economic retaliation that shrinks trade.
China’s Vertical Integration Is A Market Force
- Chinese OEMs gained advantage via scale and vertical integration, notably BYD in batteries.
- Roger Atkins says Europe may have to accept imports because consumers want affordable EVs to meet climate goals.
Flip The Script With Joint Ventures
- Flip the script: invite Chinese partners to joint ventures where Europeans hold majority control.
- Use JV rules and market access to protect jobs while gaining technology and scale, Roger advises.