Business · Trade · 6 hrs ago
Macron backs European preference for cars amid competition from China
French President Emmanuel Macron is backing a policy that would give European-made products preference in the car industry.
He set out the position ahead of the 2026 Paris Motor Show, where he is due to meet European industry representatives.
The French presidency says China has about 55 million vehicles available for export, compared with a 12-million-vehicle market in Europe.
It says stronger European support is needed as competition intensifies, particularly from lower-cost Asian cars.
France also wants more batteries for electric cars to be made in Europe, and says French-made batteries now account for 26% of new vehicle registrations.
The European Commission has proposed requiring companies in strategic sectors to buy European-made goods to qualify for public funding.
France supports the plan, while Germany and some other countries want it to include goods made by certain EU trading partners.
Macron is due to visit car industry stands and lead a discussion on autonomous vehicles at the show.
Emmanuel Macron backs a European preference for cars as Europe faces competition from China.
The French president was due to meet about 60 European automotive industry representatives at the Élysée on Sunday, before the Paris Motor Show.
The French presidency said China has about 55 million vehicles produced and available for export, compared with a European market of 12 million vehicles.
France and Germany are discussing how broadly to apply a European preference, with Germany and other countries supporting a “Made with Europe” approach.
The French presidency said electric vehicles accounted for 40% of new car registrations in France in September, while French-made batteries represented 26%.
- Who
- Emmanuel Macron and about 60 representatives of the European automotive industry.
- What
- Macron backs a European preference for cars to support the European automotive industry amid competition from China.
- When
- Sunday, 11 October 2026, ahead of the Paris Motor Show.
- Where
- At the Élysée in Paris, France.
- Why
- The French presidency cited competition from China and the need for Europe to support what it produces.
France
Germany and other countries
Scope of European preference
France
France seeks a stronger European preference and has long called for requirements to use European-made goods to qualify for public funds.
Germany and other countries
Germany and several other countries support including goods made by some of the EU’s commercial partners under a “Made with Europe” approach.
The Chinese shock is real, with about 55 million vehicles produced and available for export in China, while we have a European market of 12 million vehicles.
Europe must finally support what it produces in the face of tougher international competition.
China agreed to significantly curb its exports of hybrid cars to the European Union.
Macron was due to host about 60 European automotive industry representatives at the Élysée.
Macron was due to visit the stands of Valeo, Renault, Stellantis and the Fabrique de l’Innovation, then chair a roundtable on autonomous vehicles.
- Chinese vehicles
- About 55 million produced and available for export
- European market
- 12 million vehicles
- French electric-vehicle market share
- 40% in September
- French-made batteries
- 26% of new registrations
- Industry representatives
- About 60 invited to the Élysée
Sources
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