Key facts
- BMW CEO Milan Nedeljkovic favors voluntary pricing agreements over tariffs to address low-cost Chinese car imports in Europe.
- Nedeljkovic stated that some Chinese cars are offered at prices that are not comprehensible from a business perspective.
- He warned that tariffs could fuel protectionist tendencies in Europe and lead to an escalation of trade conflict.
- BMW has previously criticized EU duties on Chinese EV imports.
- BMW manufactures its all-electric Mini in China for export.
BMW CEO Milan Nedeljkovic has voiced opposition to European tariffs on Chinese cars, advocating instead for voluntary pricing agreements and political dialogue with China. In an interview with FAZ, Nedeljkovic stated that the current pricing of some Chinese vehicles in Europe is not commercially justifiable and risks provoking protectionist measures.
Nedeljkovic expressed concern that additional tariffs would represent a greater intervention than voluntary agreements based on fair conditions, emphasizing that no party desires an escalation of trade conflict. BMW has previously criticized existing EU duties on Chinese electric vehicle imports, warning of potential trade repercussions. The company produces its all-electric Mini in China for export to global markets.
The European Union is currently evaluating measures to address a significant trade deficit with China, a move supported by some European auto executives and politicians who have called for local content rules and expanded tariffs on Chinese plug-in hybrids.