Emotions run high in Paris as tariffs cloud auto show

CGTN Europe

It's been a bumper week for new car releases at the Paris Auto Show, but there’s also an undercurrent of political tension. Our correspondent Ross Cullen reports as European climate targets and tariffs on electric cars from China drive the agenda.  #evs #china #europe #eu #cars

Transcript

00:00Chinese firms are in pole position in the global electric vehicle race.

00:06More of China's EVs than ever before are cruising Europe's roads,

00:10and some are leading in AI technology to improve the driving experience.

00:15But from next month, the EU will introduce new tariffs on China-made electric vehicles

00:21over concerned state subsidies create unfair market conditions.

00:25In response, many of the car makers are planning new European plants to avoid the duties.

00:32It's only going to speed up the process of setting up our factories in Europe.

00:38This was not planned before, so the plant will be built. Europe will have wanted it.

00:43During the auto show, the chief executive of BMW called for Europe to rethink self-imposed environmental restrictions.

00:52The ambition is for no new petrol or diesel cars to be sold from 2035.

00:58Politicians and automakers alike want to see that date relaxed

01:02to avoid an over-reliance on China for fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries.

01:07No other trade show in France draws crowds like the auto show,

01:12and the fact it's only held once every two years heightens anticipation among motorists

01:17to be here to see the new releases.

01:20As one of the leading French car brands at the 90th Paris Auto Show,

01:25Renault unveiled new versions of old models.

01:28The four E-Tech will compete in the electric compact SUV market.

01:33And while the Renault 5 was originally replaced by the Clio in the 1990s,

01:38it too is back with a revamped electric engine.

01:42It's a magnificent vehicle that resembles the one from our childhood.

01:47It seems to meet lots of current criteria, so I think it'll be pretty successful.

01:52It's a cool car, modern and futuristic.

01:56And from small and compact to monster size,

02:00Tesla's controversial Cybertruck has wowed the crowds,

02:04but is currently only available in the United States.

02:07Classic models attract attention as well.

02:10Vintage automobiles may be old-fashioned, but still in vogue.

02:14A dash of nostalgia and classic style amid prototypes for cars of the future.

02:20Ross Cullen, CGTN, Paris.

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