Volkswagen boss backs EU 'Made in Europe' rules to counter cheaper Chinese rivals flooding the market

From the Newshound archive · first published 11 October 2026.

Volkswagen chief executive Oliver Blume has thrown his weight behind a European Commission plan to prioritise domestic industry, warning that new rules must 'reward real value creation' rather than simply protect incumbents. The push comes as Chinese electric vehicle brands undercut European manufacturers on price and accelerate market share gains across the continent. Blume framed the overhaul as a 'shared responsibility' between carmakers and EU institutions.

Chinese brands' rapid rise on lower prices is the direct threat driving Volkswagen's lobbying of Brussels.

Blume's appeal signals the auto giant wants EU policy to back genuine European manufacturing, not just tariffs.