Collaborate to compete with Chinese electric vehicle makers, Renault CEO writes EU

In a bid to confront the growing dominance of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, Luca de Meo, the CEO of Renault, has issued a clarion call on the necessity for enhanced cooperation within Europe

De Meo who is also the president of the Association of European Automobile Manufacturers (ACEA), in an open letter addressed to Europe’s policymakers,  highlighted the imperative for joint efforts and partnerships between the public and private sectors to effectively compete against Chinese EV giants. “I believe that we can achieve our aims through joint efforts and partnerships between the public and private sectors,” de Meo stated in the letter, which was disseminated in multiple languages ahead of the European parliamentary elections in June.

Drawing parallels with the success of Airbus, a European aerospace corporation, de Meo underlined the potential of collaborative initiatives within Europe. “With Airbus, we have already seen what Europe can do,” he remarked.

“The ecological transition is a team sport,” de Meo continued, stating the importance of collective action. He highlighted a key challenge European manufacturers face, noting that the pressure from financial markets often steers them towards short-term profit-making strategies, hindering long-term investments necessary for sustainable growth. In contrast, he pointed out China’s consolidated approach, which aligns various stakeholders, including financial institutions, towards a unified goal.

Amid the looming threat of cheaper Chinese models equipped with superior EV battery technology flooding the European market, de Meo proposed a proactive strategy. He recommended the launch of ten major European projects focusing on strategic areas such as small cars, smart charging infrastructure, and the supply of critical materials. Additionally, he advocated for the establishment of green economic zones modelled after China’s special economic zones, offering a blend of subsidies and investments to EV manufacturers over ten years.

However, while acknowledging the European Union’s investigation into potential unfair government subsidies benefiting Chinese automakers, de Meo stressed the importance of learning from Chinese manufacturers’ advancements. “It is also to Europe’s advantage to learn from Chinese manufacturers, who are a generation ahead in terms of the performance and costs of electric vehicles,” he said.

Highlighting the need for nuanced diplomatic relations with China, de Meo cautioned against a reactionary approach. “Relations with China will need to be managed,” he affirmed. “Completely closing the door to them would be the worst possible response.”

As European automakers brace themselves for intensifying competition in the EV market, de Meo’s call for collaborative action underscores the imperative for a unified and strategic approach within Europe to stay afloat.

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