From：Internet Info Agency 2026-09-18 15:36:00
On September 18, Hyundai Motor CEO Jose Muñoz said in San Jose, California, on Thursday that the U.S. could face a massive influx of Chinese vehicles if Washington does not maintain market access barriers such as tariffs. Muñoz stated that the European Union has already imposed additional tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and secured minimum price commitments, yet Chinese cars are still priced 30% to 40% lower than competing models in markets like Italy, Spain, and France, eroding the market share and profits of traditional automakers such as Hyundai and Volkswagen. He noted that since Brexit, the UK has not followed the EU’s tariff policies, allowing Chinese automakers to freely sell vehicles there. According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, Chinese-brand vehicles accounted for more than 9% of the EU market in the first half of 2026. Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in the UK shows that Chinese brands now represent 15% of new vehicle registrations in the country. Brussels is currently drafting "Made in Europe" rules that would set minimum local content requirements for electric vehicles sold in the EU. Muñoz argued that the U.S. needs to impose entry conditions on Chinese companies. Currently, the U.S. blocks imports of Chinese electric vehicles through tariffs of approximately 100%. Muñoz oversaw Nissan's China operations about a decade ago. Ford CEO Jim Farley told employees in July that the company is preparing for Chinese automakers to enter the U.S. market within the next five to ten years. Last week, Donald Trump said on Fox News that he would welcome Chinese automakers building factories in the United States.
