美国和欧盟设置障碍，但汽车制造商与中国的距离越来越近

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 彭博社.

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.

中国汽车制造商提供创新和清洁生产优势

许多中国汽车制造商，尤其是初创企业和私营企业，在电动汽车和软件方面拥有清白的优势。外国汽车制造商可以提供现金和海外市场准入，以换取学习中国创新的机会。

Stellantis 与 Leapmotor 正式成立合资企业

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.

其他汽车制造商寻求与中国初创企业合作

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.

照片由 Stellantis 提供。