Greek auto industry insiders warn that the EU's tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are likely to restrict consumer choice, leaving Greece more vulnerable than established car-manufacturing nations like Germany and France.
The European Commission—the executive arm of the 27-nation EU—approved the imposition of tariffs of up to 45 percent on Chinese EVs after a pivotal vote on Friday. Ten member states backed the tariffs, 12 abstained, and five voted against the decision.
Helen Xenaki, editor-in-chief of "4Troxoi," Greece's longest-running automotive magazine, explained that Chinese EVs provide affordable, high-quality options for European consumers, emphasizing that these vehicles represent an opportunity for growth in Europe's auto industry rather than a threat.
"Consumers will view this as an opportunity, and European car manufacturers will have the chance to follow the technological pathways that China has successfully paved, particularly in areas such as autonomous driving and in-vehicle infotainment (IVI), where Europe lags behind," Xenaki said.
She also warned that European consumers could be the biggest losers if the EU's tariffs increase the price of Chinese EVs. While consumers in auto-producing nations like France and Germany may turn to more expensive domestic brands, the impact would be even greater in Greece, which lacks a national auto industry.
"I believe this will slow the transition to EVs, especially in a country like Greece, where the absence of a domestic auto industry means that rising prices on Chinese cars will make people less likely to adopt EVs," Xenaki added.
Greek dealers of Chinese EVs, however, remain optimistic. They believe that the technological sophistication of Chinese vehicles—particularly in performance, design, and battery innovation— will continue to drive their success in Europe, and that their partnerships with Chinese manufacturers will remain strong.
"We're very confident that our Chinese counterparts, SAIC Motors, will react in a very positive way, together with the rest of the Chinese manufacturers, in order to keep the competitive position of the Chinese products in the European market," said Dimitris Kavvouris, Chief Strategy Officer of Syngelidis Automotive Companies, the official importer and distributor of iconic vehicle brands.
"We have a very strong growth plan for the brand. We are opening stores, both our own and through dealers, across the country. The tariffs have not changed our plans at all," said Nikolas Taki, director of Sfakianakis Group, a local company specializing in the import and trade of cars, motorcycles, and buses.
Greek auto industry insiders see opportunity, not threat, in Chinese EVs
With over a million followers on social media, French influencer Greg is dedicated to showcasing modern life and culture in China, inviting viewers to experience the country firsthand.
Currently based in Shanghai, Greg leverages his platform to share everything from delectable Chinese cuisine to popular trends, often featuring creative videos such as "Living a day in Shanghai on 100 yuan" and "How many Chinese cities can you visit in a day?"
Greg's connection to China dates back 16 years to when he was a 25-year-old student at a university in France. As graduation approached, he had the opportunity to study abroad and chose China among various options. Upon arriving in China, he quickly envisioned a future in the country and became determined to secure a steady job.
His journey took a significant turn during the Expo 2010 Shanghai China, where he worked as a translator for several travel agencies. His outstanding performance during the event led to an opportunity with a multinational wine trading company, where he served as the marketing director.
"Being a foreigner who speaks Chinese opened up numerous job opportunities for me. Every day has felt like a new adventure. Each day has felt different, and I was discovering new things every day. Even now, in 2024, I still feel this way," he said.
Initially, Greg produced informative videos in his spare time while working in the wine industry. His strong desire for self-expression and creativity attracted a significant following, fueling his inspiration for more content.
"I focus on creating optimistic videos. Because in my mind, China is a place full of optimism and happiness. You can experience anything you want here. You just need to create your own opportunities. I really like this kind of life," he said.
In 2022, after 12 years in the wine industry, he transitioned to full-time content creation. This shift was motivated by his love for the profession and a realization he had during a visit to France two years prior, where he discovered a widespread lack of understanding about China.
"I often complain about how inconvenient things are in France. For example, every time I go out, I forget my wallet, but in China, we don't need a wallet. Everything can be done through our phones. When we want to go shopping in France, we have to line up at the checkout and take all the stuff back home all by ourselves. I told my French countrymates, 'You know what? In China, people can use apps to order takeout, and it can be delivered within half an hour,'" he said.
Greg has made it his mission to create videos that highlight the aspects of China he loves, sharing these stories with audiences in France and around the world.
"People in France like China a lot now because of the videos I post," he said proudly.
He also emphasizes the need for a real-life experience to truly understand China.
"Watching videos is not enough. You have to come and see for yourself. Five hundred videos are nothing when compared to spending just 24 hours in Shanghai. It's only when you experience that you'll truly understand what China is all about. I wholeheartedly invite everyone to visit China, and I hope my videos inspire them to do that," he said.
French influencer promotes China's allure through social media
