We will have to get used to seeing more and more “Made in China” cars in the streets, according to Nicolas Barré.

In his eco lighting today, he evokes the upheaval that is brewing in the automotive world: Chinese brands will soon invade the European market.

It is yet another upheaval that is brewing in the automotive industry: after Korean brands, still unknown a few years ago, it is up to Chinese brands to land in Europe.

For the moment, it is a light landing: Europe imported last year only 50,000 cars "made in China".

50,000 in a market of 12 million cars last year: it's normal that you don't often come across Chinese brands in the streets.

I'm sure, Matthieu, you've never seen a Tang, a Lynk or an XPeng.

These are brands that have sold a few models in Europe but it still remains confidential.

That said, it is estimated that sales of "made in China" cars will be multiplied by ten by 2025, it is tomorrow, to reach half a million, it will start to be seen.

Kind of like Korean cars a few years ago. 

It is the nightmare of European manufacturers.

Because you guessed it, these Chinese brands are attacking our market where it hurts: by the electric, with models much cheaper than ours.

Why ?

First, because they are massively helped in China by the State which supports this technology and allows Chinese manufacturers to amortize their costs in a huge and very strong growth market.

And secondly, because the barriers to entry into the electric market are much lower than on the conventional market: an electric car means fewer components, it's easier to access technology.

Hence, moreover, a very large number of start-ups who are trying their luck. 

Despite everything, we have to bring them from China, these cars increase costs.

That is true.

There is also 10% customs duty.

But it remains profitable and the best proof is that Western manufacturers themselves import cars from China that they manufacture there: Volvo, which was bought by the Chinese automobile group Geely, for example brings in cars. S90, a big sedan, from its Chinese factory.

Dacia's Spring, which is an electric car made in China, is also due to be imported soon, which is also raising questions within the Renault group.

BMW will also import its electric iX3 from China.

In short, you can see it is not yet the invasion, but we will have to get used to seeing more and more "Made in China" cars in the streets.