# Chinese carmakers have quickly built up their presence in the lucrative European auto market.

*business · news · 2026-04-24 · Japan Today*

## Key points

- Chinese carmakers held 9% of European auto sales and 14% of EV sales in March 2024.
- BYD is building a factory in Hungary, while XPeng is assembling kits in Austria.
- EU tariffs on imported electric cars in 2024 are driving Chinese firms to localize production.
- Stellantis may produce Leapmotor models in Spain under Opel branding as part of localization.
- Renault is developing its new electric Twingo in China, imitating Chinese rapid development cycles.

**Companies:** Stellantis, Volkswagen, BYD, Geely, XPeng, Chery
**Countries:** China, Hungary, Spain, Austria, France, United Kingdom, Italy

[Read the full story on Japan Today](https://japantoday.com/category/business/chinese-carmakers-aim-to-build-up-presence-in-europe)

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