Warning for Europe’s auto industry as China’s EV sector surges

A warning has been raised that European policies meant to protect the auto industry could weaken competitiveness in electric vehicles. As China’s battery and EV sector grows rapidly, critics say loosening rules on internal combustion engines could delay Europe’s technology transition. T&E secretary-general William Todts criticised a Franco-German proposal that maintains a 2035 emissions cut target but would drop a separate offset requirement, allow exceptions for synthetic and biofuels and promote EU-made parts.