BMW CEO Backs Voluntary Deals Over China Tariffs

BMW CEO Milan Nedeljkovic is urging the European Union to pursue voluntary pricing agreements and political dialogue with China rather than impose additional tariffs on Chinese vehicle imports. He says some Chinese cars are being sold in Europe at prices that are difficult to justify commercially, raising the risk of protectionist backlash and further trade escalation. BMW has criticized existing EU duties on Chinese electric vehicles, while some European automakers and politicians favor stronger measures, including local-content requirements and tariffs covering Chinese plug-in hybrids. The debate reflects growing pressure on European manufacturers as lower-cost Chinese vehicles challenge their market share and China’s auto exports increase.