Volkswagen studies importing Chinese‑built EVs to Europe amid talk of a possible BYD takeover

Volkswagen is conducting a feasibility study on two options for models developed for the Chinese market: importing finished cars from China to Europe or establishing assembly or production of those models and key components within Europe. The study focuses on vehicles such as the ID. Era 9X SUV built on the China Scalable Platform, which would need adaptations to meet European safety, software and material standards. The plan reflects VW’s effort to reduce development costs and counter growing competition from Chinese manufacturers that are expanding rapidly in electric‑vehicle sales and battery technology. European anti‑subsidy duties on Chinese EVs, ranging from 17% to 35% depending on the producer, also influence the analysis.

Separately, German economist Moritz Schularick has speculated that a Chinese automaker, most likely BYD, could eventually acquire Volkswagen. He highlighted the shifting balance of power in the global auto industry, but analysts note that VW’s ownership structure—dominated by the Porsche‑Piëch families and Saxony‑Anhalt’s veto rights—makes such a takeover unlikely without major shareholder approval.