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EU set to cap Chinese hybrid car imports at 350,000 a year as UK is urged to follow suit

China shipped more than 7.1 million passenger cars abroad in the first nine months of 2026, prompting the EU to cap Chinese hybrid imports at 350,000 a year.
China shipped more than 7.1 million passenger cars abroad in the first nine months of 2026, prompting the EU to cap Chinese hybrid imports at 350,000 a year.

The European Union will limit annual imports of Chinese hybrid vehicles to 350,000 units from December, under a four-year deal struck in Beijing that is projected to halve China's current 6% share of Europe's hybrid market. EU trade chief Maroš Šefcovic described the quota as "a crucial first step" toward rebalancing trade with China. UK carmakers Stellantis and Renault are pressing the British government to put equivalent measures in place, arguing that the Chinese surge can no longer be overlooked. China's Jaecoo 7 led UK sales in September, posting nearly 11,000 registrations.

Chinese passenger car exports jumped 70% in the first nine months of 2026, with nearly 919,000 vehicles shipped in September alone.

Stellantis chief Antonio Filosa welcomed the quota as a 'good milestone' but warned the industry still needs 'a level playing field' to survive.

Chinese brands captured 25% of EU plug-in hybrid sales in the first half of 2026 — up from just 2% two years ago.

MoreReutersEurope's carmakers turn back time to rival Chinese EVsAPChina’s carmakers export more as EU caps hybrid vehicle imports at 350,000 a yearReutersAs EU debates local-content rules, Chinese automakers are already adaptingFinancial TimesEU hybrid curbs to offer only ‘temporary’ respite against Chinese carmakersGB NewsEuropean Union to limit imports of Chinese hybrid vehicles as UK urged to followFinancial TimesHow not to revive Europe’s auto industryAOL News UKStellantis and Renault back UK to get EU car industry protectionEuropean InterestChina’s carmakers boost exports amid EU limits on hybrid vehicle imports - European InterestKTVNChina's carmakers export more as EU caps hybrid vehicle imports at 350,000 a year | National News | 2news.com - KTVNIrish IndependentCarmakers back EU plan to cap Chinese hybrid imports as ‘first step’
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