Domenico De Rosa warns Chinese firms now dominate global auto sales

Domenico De Rosa, CEO of the SMET group, said the global automotive industry has already changed, with four Chinese manufacturers – SAIC, BYD, Geely and Chery – permanently placed in the Top 10 for sales volumes in the first half of 2026. He emphasized that the new competitive edge comes from controlling the entire supply chain, from raw materials and batteries to semiconductors, software and artificial‑intelligence‑driven vehicles.

De Rosa contrasted this development with Europe’s approach, which he described as relying on regulatory constraints and a single‑technology push rather than a technology‑neutral strategy. He warned that the focus on phasing out internal‑combustion engines without equally supporting alternative powertrains could weaken Europe’s long‑standing industrial leadership.

In a separate radio interview, De Rosa highlighted broader economic challenges, including rising energy costs, international tensions and security concerns, and outlined strategies to boost the competitiveness of Italy’s productive system.