# Mate Rimac automotive industry perspectives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mate-rimac-automotive-industry-perspectives
> Updated: 2026-10-11T10:00:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, has shared perspectives on automotive engineering and industry strategy. Initially, Rimac expressed interest in a custom BMW M3 E30 restomod that features a 5.0-liter S85 V10 engine swap, noting the technical complexity of the build.

Rimac later proposed a strategic direction for the European automotive industry to address competition from Chinese manufacturers. He suggested that European companies should avoid competing on mass-market technological trends and instead focus on a luxury niche centered on craftsmanship, exclusivity, and high-quality materials, comparing the desired approach to the Swiss watchmaking industry.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-11: Mate Rimac urges European automakers to focus on luxury niche

Bugatti Rimac CEO Mate Rimac suggests European automakers should focus on luxury craftsmanship and premium materials to compete with China, rather than mimicking Chinese technological trends.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mate-rimac-urges-european-automakers-to-focus-on-luxury-niche

### 2026-09-27: Mate Rimac praises custom BMW M3 E30 with V10 engine swap

Bugatti Rimac CEO Mate Rimac has praised a custom BMW M3 E30 restomod that features a 5.0-liter S85 V10 engine swap, a project that connects to his own early automotive experiments.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mate-rimac-praises-custom-bmw-m3-e30-with-v10-engine-swap

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Cite as: Mate Rimac automotive industry perspectives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mate-rimac-automotive-industry-perspectives