San Francisco Frontiers - European carmakers on China charm offensive as sales droop

At this week's Auto Shanghai, the largest global industry show of its kind, foreign firms -- in particular legacy German ones -- pitched dozens of electric, high-tech models made "in China for China".

Volkswagen, the largest foreign automaker operating in the country, announced that by 2027 it would release more than 20 new cars for the local market.

"There is still a huge opportunity for the German brands to make a comeback, but with each day without a truly tech-defined car (like Chinese rivals) it seems unlikely," EV specialist Elliot Richards told AFP.

Volkswagen entered the Chinese market through a joint venture when it first opened up, swiftly taking the lion's share.

Forty years later though, dozens of ultra-competitive homegrown car brands have blossomed.

The Chinese government's strategic support for the EV and hybrid sector has seen many domestic firms become world leaders in that area.

BYD, Geely, Dongfeng and others took 65 percent of the local market in 2024, up 22.2 percent year-on-year, data from MarkLines shows.

German brands' share decreased by 10.8 percent in the same year.

Other European brands like Renault still manufacture some cars in China, but have withdrawn from the local market.

For those still in the game, holding ground in China is essential, as Europe's market weakens and US President Donald Trump complicates access to the United States with his tariff policy.

- 'Turning a big ship' -

"Decades ago, it was very easy to develop, to produce one standard, and to provide it globally," Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at Auto Shanghai.

"Today it's impossible."

To adapt to an increasingly sophisticated and monied Chinese consumer base, firms have employed a variety of tactics.

"German carmakers have invested heavily into their competitiveness in order to catch up with Chinese brands in the areas of electrification, intelligent vehicles and market responsiveness," European Chamber Vice President Stefan Bernhart told AFP.

Volkswagen works closely with domestic giants FAW, SAIC and JAC, and recently added Xpeng, a startup known for its tech proficiency, to its list of partners.

Stellantis produces cars in China notably through its alliance with Leapmotor, another Chinese startup.

Brands are also boosting local research and development staffing and investment, and increasing their output to what Volkswagen calls "China Speed".

Even as it considers layoffs in Europe, Volkswagen has reinforced its development capacity in China, planning to release its new models in 18 months and save 40 percent of the costs.

"Turning a big ship around takes effort, commitment, and also some sacrifices," Brian Gu, XPeng's co-president, told AFP. "But I see they're very committed to change."

- Mercedes versus Nio -

Until 2023, luxury European behemoths like Mercedes and BMW could still count on the fact their cars were seen as status symbols, according to consultancy Inovev.

Their sales slipped last year though, as the prestige of local brands like Nio and individual models like Xiaomi's SU7 has risen.

At Auto Shanghai, Mercedes presented a long version of its new electric star, the CLA, as well as a luxury minivan aimed at the rich Chinese leisure set.

CEO Ola Kallenius was bullish about prospects in what he called the "world's most competitive market".

He pointed to features targeted at local customers, including an advanced driver assistance system, as well as giant screens, as Chinese drivers "use (their car) as an entertainment space".

Porsche is also betting on its cachet -- announcing this week it will concentrate on higher value sales rather than volume.

However, with Chinese competitors slashing prices but not quality, consumers are no longer as willing to pay a premium for Western brands, according to Inovev.

"The name of the game is value," said Tu Le, founder of Sino Auto Insights.

"Chinese consumers between the age of 30 and 45 are going into showrooms, looking at Mercedes, looking at Nio, and buying that Nio instead."

But EV specialist Richards warned against complete gloom: "Nothing is certain in the automotive space, especially in China, and everything is still up for grabs."

S.Jackson--SFF