Nobody really wants electric cars, Vauxhall owner executive claims

Core Viewpoint - The automotive industry, particularly Stellantis, is facing challenges in selling electric vehicles (EVs) without significant discounts, as there is no natural demand for them, leading to potential losses for car manufacturers [1][4][5]. Group 1: Industry Challenges - Stellantis executives claim that government regulations mandating increased EV sales are detrimental, leaving "no room for profit" and not aligning with consumer preferences [4][5]. - The company warns that profit margins in Europe are shrinking and may soon turn negative due to the pressure to comply with EV sales regulations [5]. - There is a growing concern that increasing market share for EVs is resulting in losses for manufacturers, as demand is primarily driven by subsidies or price reductions [6][10]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - Demand for EVs is reportedly only stimulated through subsidies or aggressive price cuts by manufacturers, indicating a reliance on external financial support [2][5]. - The automotive industry is lobbying for relaxed regulations on the sale of new petrol and hybrid cars, reflecting concerns over the feasibility of current EV targets [3][9]. - The competition from Chinese manufacturers, who offer lower-priced vehicles, is prompting Western brands to shift their focus to higher-end markets [11]. Group 3: Counterarguments - Advocates for EVs argue that inflation, rather than the transition to electric vehicles, is the primary factor affecting car company profits [3][7]. - There is a belief that consumer demand for EVs is genuine, with improvements in pricing, choice, and vehicle quality contributing to this demand [8][9].