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
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
