US and EU Throw Up Roadblocks, but Automakers Grow Closer to China

The US and Europe are erecting barriers to keep Chinese cars out of their markets, but at the corporate level, automakers are growing ever closer to China. President Biden’s quadrupling of tariffs on Chinese EV imports and the EU’s probe into Chinese EV subsidies underscore the challenges facing China’s export-led growth plans, reports Bloomberg.

Incumbents Recognize China’s Technological and Manufacturing Edge

Despite concerns over China’s auto exports and state support, incumbent automakers acknowledge that tariffs are a short-term solution. The deals between Chinese startups and foreign competitors highlight the value of China’s technological and manufacturing prowess in the age of connected, electrified vehicles.

Chinese Automakers Offer Innovation and Clean-Sheet Advantage

Many Chinese automakers, particularly startups and private sector players, have a clean-sheet advantage when it comes to electric cars and software. Foreign automakers can offer cash and access to markets abroad in return for learning from Chinese innovation.

Stellantis Formalizes Joint Venture with Leapmotor

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares recently formalized a joint venture with Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology Co., a small player in China’s crowded EV market. Leapmotor boasts vertical integration, making its own driver-assistance software, battery packs, motors, and controllers.

Leap to Leverage Stellantis’ Dealer Network for Europe

Leap will use Stellantis’ dealer network to target Europe’s mass market with at least six new models by 2027, including the electric C10 and T03 city car. The Chinese upstart expects to use Stellantis’ global factories to produce in the long-term, sidestepping potential trade barriers with localization.

Stellantis Gains Access to Leap’s EV and Software Tech

For Stellantis, access to Leap’s EV and software technology is a step forward in the face of declining market share and uncompetitive products. The joint venture is currently limited to splitting profits from Leap’s exports, but deeper collaboration is possible in the future.

Other Automakers Seek Partnerships with Chinese Startups

Stellantis’ joint venture with Leapmotor is not an isolated case. Volkswagen is looking to Xpeng for help with software, while Toyota has announced R&D and technology partnerships with BYD and Tencent. As companies strive to survive the EV revolution, the flow of people, money, and tech across borders is likely to continue despite tensions between the West and China.

EVXL’s Take

The deepening ties between automakers and Chinese startups highlight the importance of collaboration and innovation in the rapidly evolving EV industry. As the world transitions to electric vehicles, it is crucial for companies to leverage each other’s strengths and expertise to stay competitive. These partnerships not only benefit the companies involved but also accelerate the adoption of EVs globally, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future. While trade tensions may persist, the shared goal of advancing electric mobility will continue to drive cooperation across borders.

Photo courtesy of Stellantis.