Volkswagen, Renault draw closer to China on EVs despite EU tariffs

Earnings shrink at 5 European automakers, spurring cost-saving tie-ups with China

20250314N Volkswagen Autostadt AP

Volkswagen cars wait for delivery at the company's Autostadt complex in Wolfsburg, Germany. © AP

EIKI HAYASHI

FRANKFURT, Germany -- European Union tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles that took effect in October are yielding unexpected consequences. Rather than excluding cheap EVs subsidized with Chinese government cash from the market, they are encouraging automakers to build alliances that increase the EU's reliance on China.

European automakers are struggling. Net profit fell at five of the largest players last year, from 28% at Mercedes-Benz Group and around 31% at Volkswagen to 70% at Stellantis. Renault and BMW also saw declines.

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