The big hypocrisy surrounding Chinese cars produced in Europe

Why should Chinese manufacturers established in Europe be treated differently from other non-Europeans?

The announcement by MG of the establishment of its first production plant in Europe, in Galicia, Spain, marks a new step in the development of Chinese car manufacturers in the European market. Scheduled to become operational in 2028, this site represents an investment of 200 million euros and the creation of more than 2,000 jobs.

This decision illustrates the acceleration of the presence of Chinese brands in Europe. But it also reveals a form of paradox. While the arrival of an MG factory in Spain is being debated, no one is surprised that Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Ford, or Tesla have been producing their vehicles on the European continent for years.

Manufacturers like any others

For several decades, Japanese manufacturers have invested heavily in Europe. Toyota produces notably in the UK, France, and the Czech Republic. Hyundai and Kia have significant industrial sites in Central Europe. As for Tesla, its Berlin factory has become a symbol of the European electric car industry. And no one questions the legitimacy of these establishments. Why should it be any different for MG, BYD, Chery, Leapmotor, or SAIC Motor?

Chinese manufacturers have become global players in the automobile industry. Like their Japanese, Korean, or American competitors before them, they seek to get closer to their customers, reduce their logistics costs, secure their supply chains, and adapt to local regulations.

Yes, the implementation of European tariffs on Chinese electric cars accelerates certain projects. But the industrial investment strategies of MG or BYD were initiated well before these measures appeared. This is simply called industrial anticipation.

The MG plant announced in Spain fully fits into this logic. Beyond vehicle assembly, the project plans for research and development activities, a local industrial ecosystem, and partnerships with European suppliers.

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