While in the USA we only see Teslas with their various and varied problems and unattractive design, we also find some German electric cars. For the rest, it is Europe that we need to look at to see what will happen in the global market. On one hand, the German luxury car industry is achieving true success with their high-end electric models and a more advanced level of possible automation than what Tesla offers. On the other hand, China is likely to dominate the market for electric cars in the entry and mid-range segments, especially in an economic context that continues to experience inflation. Companies like MG, Zeekr, Xiaomi, and other names you may not know yet are offering beautiful vehicles and compelling offers that no European manufacturer can match in terms of quality and design.
It is quite possible that this type of vehicle will also establish itself in the United States because Tesla, as a company, is increasingly facing a negative image due to its CEO. Every time Elon Musk makes racist or extreme remarks, numerous customers cancel their orders. In Europe, the production costs are so high and the populations are becoming increasingly impoverished, which puts the automotive industry at risk. Additionally, manufacturers like Stellantis (PSA) are relatively unreliable when it comes to engines, often issuing frequent vehicle recalls for various reasons. Looking at the brands owned by this company, such as Jeep, which has faced criticism since its acquisition by Stellantis, it’s easy to imagine that many users are willing to switch to other brands for greater reliability.
In reality, all these brands could disappear in the medium term with the arrival of Chinese manufacturers in the automotive market. For now, the only ranges that are not in danger are utility vehicles. As for luxury vehicles, there is no immediate danger, and even Tata, which owns Range Rover and Jaguar, is not at risk. They have managed to revitalize their brands, are in the process of electrifying their models, and their partnerships with German manufacturers in terms of automation are promising for the future.
By 2024, Europe will start feeling the first effects of the arrival of Chinese manufacturers in its market. The question remains whether China has the means to conquer the world, considering that the mass production of electric vehicles can only happen in a stable world, and China significantly contributes to the geopolitical instability of the world…
Thierry De Clemensat
Editor in chief
Bayou Blue Radio/Paris-Move