China’s EV Surge Hits Europe & North America | Munich Auto Show + Trade War Fallout | ATW #7

In this episode of At The Wheel, hosts Joe White and Tu Le break down the biggest global automotive stories shaping the future of transportation.Tu reports live insights from the Munich IAA Mobility Show, where Chinese automakers dramatically expanded their presence and showcased cutting-edge technology—from intelligent driving systems to next-generation EV platforms. With 40% more Chinese participants than in 2023, the message was clear: Chinese companies are rapidly scaling their global ambitions.Meanwhile, Western automakers are racing to keep up. Volkswagen unveiled new affordable EV models targeting the €25,000 segment, Mercedes debuted its next-generation GLC with the updated MBOS software architecture, and BMW continues pushing its Neue Klasse platform.But the real story may be geopolitical.The conversation shifts to rising global trade tensions impacting the auto industry. Mexico is considering tariffs on Chinese vehicles while navigating pressure from the United States ahead of a USMCA renegotiation. At the same time, Canada is reviewing its 100% tariff on Chinese vehicles, highlighting how trade policy is reshaping global supply chains.Joe and Tu also explore how Chinese companies are exporting not only vehicles but also software, silicon, and supply chains, which could disrupt traditional Tier-1 suppliers across Europe and North America.Key themes include:* The rapid globalization of Chinese EV companies* How protectionism is reshaping the auto industry* The battle for affordable electric vehicles* Supply chain shifts and semiconductor competition* What Western automakers must do to stay competitiveIf you follow the future of mobility, EV technology, or the global auto industry, this episode offers essential insights into how the next decade of transportation is unfolding.SEO KeywordsChinese EVsglobal EV marketMunich IAA MobilityBYD expansion EuropeXPeng EV strategyEV trade warChina auto industryelectric vehicle competitionVolkswagen MEB platformMercedes MBOS operating systemBMW Neue KlasseEV supply chainsautomotive geopoliticsEV tariffs USMCAEV technology competitionfuture of mobilityglobal automotive industrySuggested YouTube Timestamps00:00 Introduction to At The Wheel01:00 Tu’s trip to Munich & the IAA Mobility Show03:00 Volkswagen Group EV announcements05:00 Can European EVs compete with Chinese models?06:30 Mercedes GLC reveal and MBOS software platform08:00 BMW Neue Klasse strategy09:40 Chinese automakers’ growing presence in Europe11:00 BYD’s aggressive expansion across Europe12:00 Chinese supply chain companies entering Europe14:00 Trade tensions reshape the auto industry16:30 Mexico considering tariffs on Chinese vehicles18:30 Why Mexico matters to global automakers20:00 Hyundai investment and U.S. manufacturing tensions23:00 The visa and talent challenge for global manufacturing25:00 Canada reviewing tariffs on Chinese EVs27:00 EV incentives ending and market impact29:00 Stellantis strategy and affordable EVs31:00 Why younger buyers are shifting away from legacy brands33:00 The role of scale in China’s EV industry35:00 Final thoughts on the global EV race This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.atthewheel.co