ENZHMS
Link Copiedcheck_circle
EV

Tariffs Against Chinese EVs Is A Major Trap Says Stellantis CEO

Thoriq Azmi

Share via

Stellantis.jpg

Stellantis has warned that tariffs on Chinese-made EVs and EV parts could be "a major trap" and lead to big consequences in both the EU and America.


Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares expects a significant battle between the Chinese and their rivals in the European market for electric vehicles (EVs), warning of significant consequences for jobs and production.

This is because the EU is expected to decide on whether to follow in the same steps as the America in imposing additional tariffs on Chinese automakers. Recently, we reported that the American government plans to slap Chinese-made EVs and EV materials with duties up to 100% by Aug 1

Tavares said tariffs on Chinese vehicles imported to Europe and the America are "a major trap for the countries that go on that path" and will not allow Western automakers to avoid restructuring to meet the challenge from lower-cost Chinese manufacturers. 


Leapmotor-International-Stellantis-2.jpg

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares (left) at the recent ceremony formalising the formation of Leapmotor International.
Leapmotor-T03-EV-4.jpgLeapmotor-C10-EV-3.jpg
Stellantis' latest venture Leapmotor holds strong promise as the firm plans to market the brand in both its major markets and new emerging ones - Malaysia included.


"We are not talking about a Darwinian period, we are in it," Tavares said at Reuters' annual automotive-focused conference in Munich. He also mentioned that the competition from Asian rivals on price will be "very tough."

"When you fight against the competition to absorb 30% of cost competitiveness edge in favor of the Chinese, there are social consequences. But the governments, the governments of Europe, they don't want to face that reality right now," Tavares continued.

The European Commission will unveil an initial decision on potential tariffs on Chinese EV imports on June 5. Tavares said that tariffs would only fuel inflation in the regions where they are imposed, potentially impacting sales and production.


Atto3-launch-14.jpgAtto3-detail-1.jpgAtto3-100units-(2).jpg

Chinese-made EV and EV parts are set to face stiff tariffs in the EU should the European Commission decide to follow in the same footsteps as the American government who have elected to impose tariffs up to 100% on which.


He added that the price battle with Asian rivals would be "very tough" and that it would not be easy for dealers, suppliers, and OEMs. Italy's nationalist government has been pressuring Stellantis to commit to building 1 million vehicles a year in the country, up from 750,000 last year.

Either way, tariffs as such will pose a huge challenge for Stellantis and all its brands on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as its most recent Leapmotor International venture. KR


Leapmotor-C10-EV-1.jpg



Share This Article

Written By

Thoriq Azmi

Former DJ turned driver, rider and story-teller. I drive, I ride, and I string words together about it all. [#FuelledByThoriq] IG: https://www.instagram.com/fuelledbythoriq/

Share via

JPJ Running Numbers

KUALA LUMPUR

VQM2025

SELANGOR

BSM5340

JOHOR

JYR5882

PULAU PINANG

PRY7332

PERAK

APF3228

PAHANG

CFF3481

KEDAH

KGE3878

NEGERI SEMBILAN

NEJ5389

KOTA KINABALU

SJQ3151

KUCHING

QAB2485N

Last updated 18 Feb, 2026

Fuel Price

Petrol

RON 95

RM 2.54

RON 97

RM 3.10

RON 100

RM 5.00

VPR

RM 6.23

Diesel

EURO 5 B10

RM 2.99

+0.03

EURO 5 B7

RM 3.19

+0.03

Last updated 12 Feb, 2026

Related News

EV
Chinese Govt Announces New 2026 Export Permit Rule For EV Makers

Chinese Govt Announces New 2026 Export Permit Rule For EV Makers

China take aim at reputation for cheap exports, announces new ruling that sees EV makers requiring ‘export permit’ starting in 2026.

30-09-2025
EV
Report: Chinese EVs Account For 76% Of Global EV Sales

Report: Chinese EVs Account For 76% Of Global EV Sales

Latest analysis by research firm Rho Motion shows that Chinese EVs dominate no less than 76% of global EV sales.

27-02-2025
EV
Australia Welcomes Chinese EVs Without Sanctions, Tariffs Seen In US and EU

Australia Welcomes Chinese EVs Without Sanctions, Tariffs Seen In US and EU

While the EU and US are sanctioning Chinese EVs with tariffs, Australia remains an open market for which.

04-07-2024
EV
Study: China’s Massive RM1.02 Trillion Investment Fuels EV Growth

Study: China’s Massive RM1.02 Trillion Investment Fuels EV Growth

According to CSIS expert Scott Kennedy, this amount represents 18.8% of all electric vehicle (EV) sales from 2009 to 2023.

25-06-2024
EV
Chinese EV Makers Are Offering Unique Extras To Customers

Chinese EV Makers Are Offering Unique Extras To Customers

Chinese EV automakers are now providing unique features for customers to increase sales.

13-03-2024
EV
Zeekr Unveils LFP Battery With The Highest Charging Speed In The World

Zeekr Unveils LFP Battery With The Highest Charging Speed In The World

Zeekr has unveiled LFP batteries with a driving range of 500 km and sufficiently charging the 007 sedan in just 15 minutes.

15-12-2023
EV
BYD Launches YangWang Luxury EV Brand, Offering Rugged 4x4 and a Supercar

BYD Launches YangWang Luxury EV Brand, Offering Rugged 4x4 and a Supercar

Chinese EV marque BYD launches its second luxury EV brand, YangWang, which offers a rugged 4x4 and a Supercar.

06-01-2023
EV
BYD Atto 3 Specs Unveiled – 2 Variants, up to 480 KM Range, from RM150K

BYD Atto 3 Specs Unveiled – 2 Variants, up to 480 KM Range, from RM150K

The BYD Atto 3 EV launches in Malaysia next month with two variants, 480 KM range, and RM150,000 starting price.

18-11-2022

Latest News

EV
Honda Super-One EV Specs Detailed – Single FWD Motor, Boost Mode

Honda Super-One EV Specs Detailed – Single FWD Motor, Boost Mode

Honda has unveiled more specifications for its upcoming kei EV hot-hatch, the Honda Super-One, ahead of its Japanese debut.

13-02-2026
EV
Mazda 6e EV Debuts in the UK – Malaysia Next?

Mazda 6e EV Debuts in the UK – Malaysia Next?

The UK becomes the next right-hand-drive market to welcome the sleek Mazda 6e EV saloon. Is Malaysia next?

12-02-2026
EV
MITI: Malaysia’s EV Strategy Enters New Phase

MITI: Malaysia’s EV Strategy Enters New Phase

EV adoption surged to 44,813 units in 2025 as the country shifts focus toward local assembly and EV ecosystem.

EV
2027 Toyota Highlander EV Debuts in the US – Three-Row EV SUV with 515 km Range

2027 Toyota Highlander EV Debuts in the US – Three-Row EV SUV with 515 km Range

The Toyota Highlander has been revived as a three-row, all-electric SUV for its next-gen iteration.

11-02-2026
EV
BYD Atto 3 Evo: 800V Architecture, 449 PS and 220 kW DC Charging

BYD Atto 3 Evo: 800V Architecture, 449 PS and 220 kW DC Charging

BYD’s Atto 3 Evo makes a big step forward with 800V tech, up to 449 PS and 220 kW DC fast charging.

EV
Updated 2026 Denza D9 Leaked, Has Up To 557 PS Now Too

Updated 2026 Denza D9 Leaked, Has Up To 557 PS Now Too

Refreshed 2026 model year version of the Denza D9 luxury EV MPV leaks online, reportedly gains more power too – up to 557 PS touted.

10-02-2026
EV
Ferrari Luce – Brand’s First EV Name & Interior Unveiled Ahead of Debut

Ferrari Luce – Brand’s First EV Name & Interior Unveiled Ahead of Debut

Ferrari’s first EV will be known as the Luce, featuring a button-laden interior penned by a former Apple designer.

10-02-2026
EV
Shell Malaysia Eyes Dynamic EV Charging Rate as Network Scales

Shell Malaysia Eyes Dynamic EV Charging Rate as Network Scales

Shell Malaysia to reviews EV charging rates competitiveness as it explores dynamic pricing and expands its nationwide network.

Show More

trending_flat
Carz Automedia Malaysia Logo
About Us

CarzAutoMedia: Stay connected to the latest car news! Get instant updates on new releases, industry trends, and automotive innovations. Your go-to source for 24/7 coverage of everything automotive.

© 2026 CariCarz.com. All Rights Reserved.