Renault CEO warns European car output could halve after 2030 without EU action on Chinese competition
By Eve
Renault chief executive François Provost told journalists in London, as reported by Reuters, that vehicle production in Europe could fall to half its historical average shortly after 2030 if the EU does not act to protect it. He cited a cost gap, saying Chinese manufacturers can import vehicles into Europe with costs 30% to 40% lower than European industrial players, a difference he considers impossible to close under current conditions. He is calling for measures to safeguard factories and jobs, with hundreds of thousands of roles across plants and suppliers at stake.
Why it matters
Pressure for EU trade or local content measures could reshape the supply of vehicles and components that charging demand forecasts depend on, and shift the mix between European and Chinese EV brands on the road. CPOs and procurement teams should watch how policy outcomes affect fleet electrification timelines, vehicle pricing and the sourcing of charging hardware.
Source
- Original title
- [FR] “« L'industrie automobile européenne va mourir » : le patron de Renault tire (encore) la sonnette d'alarme face aux Chinois”
- Published
- 4 November 2026
In this story
- Topic
- Electric Vehicles
- Tag
- Renault
Related news
Renault Group unveils Forefront Concept, a remotely operated electric vehicle for military use
Renault Group has developed the Forefront Concept, an all-electric, all-wheel-drive modular vehicle with dual motors, four-wheel steering and a projected range of roughly 250 miles (400 kilometres) on a full charge, according to the report. John Cockerill designed the remote-operation and autonomy functions, and the French armed forces will use the vehicle in exercises and trials in the coming weeks before Renault refines it. An add-on range extender can lengthen the driving distance, but Renault did not state the battery capacity.
Why it matters
Defence-oriented EV platforms built from proven automotive components point to a possible new source of demand for non-standard charging and energy support in field settings. With no battery capacity disclosed and a range extender in the mix, charging requirements remain unclear, so CPOs and suppliers should treat this as an early signal rather than a procurement opportunity.
BYD Dolphin G plug in hybrid, priced at £26k, is tested against the Renault Clio in Europe's supermini class
The comparison, run in Denmark, sets the BYD Dolphin G PHEV against the sixth generation Renault Clio. The article notes that four superminis (the Clio, Dacia Sandero, Peugeot 208 and Opel/Vauxhall Corsa) still sit in Europe's top 10 best sellers, and that Chinese manufacturers, chiefly in the UK, have so far focused mostly on bigger cars. The excerpt is cut off before any test results are given.
Why it matters
A Chinese plug in hybrid aimed at the high volume supermini segment suggests Chinese brands are moving into mainstream small car territory, which could widen the mix of plug in vehicles that UK charging networks serve. As a PHEV it may lean less on public charging than a full battery electric rival, so CPOs should watch how it is used in practice.
BYD Atto 3 Evo compared with Renault Scenic E Tech as Renault updates its battery and range
A French-language comparison puts the facelifted BYD Atto 3 Evo, whose specification now matches its rivals, against the Renault Scenic E Tech. Between writing and publication, Renault presented an updated Scenic whose top version moves from an 87 kWh to an 89 kWh battery, with WLTP range rising from 625 to 642 km and consumption unchanged. The article says charging also differs on the new version, but the excerpt does not give the figures.
Why it matters
Two of the main compact electric SUV rivals in France are changing their specifications, and the Scenic's charging behaviour is changing with its battery. Procurement and CPO teams should watch for the detailed charging figures, as they affect how these vehicles use sites.