Volkswagen CEO says European mass-market carmakers face ‘enormous pressure’

Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at an event in Paris on 13 October that Europe’s mass-market carmakers face ‘enormous pressure’ from Chinese competition and a changing market. He called for more flexible regulation and incentives to support local manufacturing, Reuters reported.

Blume said Volkswagen, Stellantis and Renault together account for more than 60% of European car production. His appeal comes as Volkswagen pursues a restructuring that Reuters described as involving tens of thousands of job cuts and possible factory closures, with unions opposed.

What the industry figures show

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association said EU vehicle production in 2025 was about 3 million vehicles below its 2019 level. Its September industry guide put battery-electric cars at 17.4% of EU car sales in 2025 and cited competition, manufacturing costs and regulation as pressures on the industry. ACEA represents vehicle manufacturers.

DBS Vickers said four Chinese manufacturers’ combined share of EU new-car registrations rose to 6.6% in the first half of 2026, from 3.4% a year earlier, while total registrations increased 5.7%. That comparison shows a shift in market share; it does not establish how much Chinese competition contributed to the pressure Blume described at each carmaker.