Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-12-22 23:27Core Viewpoint - The recent political controversies in Germany regarding Chinese electric vehicles reflect an anxiety that contrasts with the country's traditional industrial values of precision, rationality, and openness [1] Group 1: Political Reactions - German Finance Minister Christian Lindner expressed dissatisfaction with Deutsche Bahn's procurement of buses from BYD, advocating for "healthy domestic industry patriotism" and suggesting that Deutsche Bahn should prioritize orders from German or European manufacturers [1] - The German government announced the restoration of electric vehicle purchase subsidies, raising concerns among Deloitte's automotive experts about the potential flow of subsidy funds to China, indicating a tendency to politicize normal market choices [1][2] Group 2: Market Dynamics - Responsible "domestic industry patriotism" should focus on the long-term competitiveness of national industries rather than short-term market share, avoiding the exclusion of foreign products and investments [1] - In a procurement order exceeding 3,000 vehicles, BYD won only about 200 units, which are produced in Hungary, thus qualifying as "European manufacturing" [1] Group 3: Economic Interdependence - Concerns about subsidies benefiting Chinese companies reflect a zero-sum mindset, overlooking the reality of highly integrated modern supply chains, where the sale of an electric vehicle stimulates local economic activities [2] - Cutting off this supply chain could lead to higher transition costs for European consumers and a loss of competitive vitality for local companies, ultimately slowing down industrial upgrades [2] Group 4: Industry Challenges - Viewing external competition as a "survival threat" can obscure the urgency of addressing structural issues within the German automotive industry, which is transitioning from internal combustion engines to electrification and digitalization [3] - Political measures to protect lagging industries may provide temporary comfort but can lead to a loss of vitality for the protected entities [3] Group 5: Future Opportunities - The growth of China's electric vehicle industry is not aimed at undermining European industry but is part of a global response to climate change, creating a public supply that benefits both regions [3] - By 2030, the global shortfall in new energy vehicles is projected to reach 27 million units, indicating strong complementarity between China and Germany in the electric vehicle sector, which could thrive in an open and cooperative environment [4]