ACEA seeks EU protections for automotive and bus manufacturers

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) is calling for policy interventions to protect European automotive manufacturers from increasing competition, particularly from Chinese brands.

In a position paper regarding the bus segment, ACEA noted that Chinese brands held 28% of the EU electric bus market in 2025 and 32% of the electric city bus market. The association highlighted a widening trade deficit, with imports from China exceeding €1 billion in 2025. ACEA urged authorities to utilize public procurement rules more effectively to prioritize criteria beyond price, such as research, development, and long-term service value.

Additionally, ACEA is advocating for exemptions under the proposed ‘Made in EU’ rules to protect existing operations in neighboring countries like Türkiye. The association warned that excluding manufacturers that have invested in Türkiye could undermine competitiveness and create uncertainty. In 2025, ACEA members produced 29,000 trucks and 8,500 buses in Türkiye. Industry leaders argue that current negotiating positions fail to reflect the deep industrial integration and supply networks between the EU and Türkiye.