Made in Europe: the Stellantis and Volkswagen push

Against a backdrop of geopolitical rivalries in which trade, technology and industry are becoming levers of power, Stellantis and Volkswagen are pushing a "Made in Europe" strategy to support the European automotive industry, a strategic sector (8% of GDP, 13 million jobs).

Their observation: even though 90% of cars sold in the EU are produced there, manufacturers face competition from importers subject to less stringent social and environmental standards, while tensions over critical raw materials weaken value chains.

The dilemma crystallises around batteries: Europe is investing to build an integrated industry, but the race for affordable electric vehicles increases pressure to import cheaper cells, fuelling a vicious circle that threatens technological sovereignty.

Their proposal therefore rests on two pillars: requiring equivalent production conditions to sell in Europe, and targeting public funds on local production through a label that opens access to subsidies and public procurement. They also propose a "CO2 bonus" for EVs that meet European content criteria (production/R&D, drivetrain, cells, electronics), in order to reduce penalties and reinvest in R&D.