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Europe's carmakers turn back time to rival Chinese EVs
Renault, Stellantis and Volkswagen are using revived nameplates to appeal to buyers as Chinese brands held nearly 11% of the European EV market.
- European automakers including Renault and Stellantis are reviving classic models as electric vehicles to counter Chinese manufacturers, who captured nearly 11% of the European market in the second quarter according to Schmidt Automotive Research.
- Renault's electric 5, a reboot of the 1972 original, became Europe's best-selling mid-sized EV this year, helping lift Renault Group's first-half revenue 9%. The success demonstrates heritage's commercial potential against cheaper, tech-advanced rivals.
- At the Paris Autoshow this week, Stellantis unveiled an electric Citroen 2CV to attract budget-conscious buyers. Robert Dooley, senior design strategist at Car Design Research, said retro styling adds value "because that's where the price pressure from Chinese brands is going to be strongest."
- Thierry Jouanny, head of a French 2CV collectors' club, emphasized that successful revivals must capture emotional appeal. "The new 2CV needs to have that certain something that's hard to put into words," he said, ensuring owners feel distinctive.
- Volkswagen's chief designer Andreas Mindt cautioned against relying solely on heritage, saying "We should not rest on our history." He stressed the need for fast charging and autonomous driving to compete against tech-advanced rivals.
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6 Articles
6 Articles
Europe's carmakers turn back time to rival Chinese EVs
As Chinese electric vehicle makers challenge Europe's auto industry with cheaper cars and increasingly sophisticated technology, established automakers are fighting back with one asset their rivals lack: history.
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources6
Leaning Left0Leaning Right3Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Right
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Right
60% Right
C 40%
R 60%
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