Chinese car manufacturers such as BYD and SAIC will soon follow Tesla's example and build plants in Europe, according to car expert Werner Olle. The researcher from the Chemnitz Automotive Institute told the German Press Agency that Germany has a very good chance of being chosen as the location for a new car factory. It is true that energy costs in Germany are high. "But the most important criterion is the high level of automotive expertise." This includes the close network of suppliers and the potential of skilled workers. Chinese cars "made in Germany" are a quality issue for manufacturers and an important image factor.
According to Olle, China's car exports have been increasing significantly since 2021. Europe is increasingly coming into focus as a target market. "From 2025, China will become a net exporter, while Europe will become a net importer." This is because China has competitive advantages when it comes to the increasingly important e-cars. According to Olle, these include the size of the Chinese market, which enables corresponding cost advantages, as well as the availability of important parts - from raw materials to batteries and semiconductors.