Europe strikes back: the plan of 4 March 2026
On 4 March 2026, the European Commission unveiled its Industrial Acceleration Plan, a text that hit the car industry like a bombshell. The aim? To protect European industry against the rise of Chinese carmakers.
In practice, these are the key measures:
- A minimum of 70% European content for electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen vehicles sold in the EU (excluding batteries)
- 50% European electrical and electronic components required within 3 years
- Access to public support (eco-bonuses, public procurement) reserved for vehicles that meet these thresholds
- Specific rules for small cars (under 4.20 m): 70% European content OR three key battery components made in Europe
These measures come on top of the additional customs duties already in force since October 2024, which can reach 43% on electric vehicles imported from China (10% base rate + up to 35.3% countervailing duties).
Chinese cars in Belgium: the figures speak for themselves
Despite these barriers, the Chinese breakthrough on the Belgian market is spectacular. In 2025:
- Nearly 15,000 Chinese cars registered in Belgium, a 34% increase in one year
- Market share: 3.5 to 4.4%, depending on the source
- MG leads with around 6,000 sales, followed by BYD with 4,400 registrations
- MG has entered the top 20 in sales in Belgium
The secret? Unbeatable value for money, according to Belgian distributors. A concrete example: a BYD at €38,050 offers the same features as a European model at €53,000. That is a saving of €15,000.
Will these rules really slow down Chinese carmakers?
That is the big question. And the answer is nuanced.
What works in Europe's favour
- Chinese carmakers will no longer have access to eco-bonuses or public procurement unless they meet the 70% threshold
- Consumers may hesitate when faced with models that do not carry the “Made in Europe” label
What works in Chinese carmakers' favour
- 12 Chinese assembly plant projects are already planned in Europe (13 including Turkey), with a capacity of 760,000 vehicles from 2027 and more than one million in 2028
- Chinese battery giants such as CATL (35% of the global market) are investing heavily in Europe: plants in Germany, Hungary and Spain worth 13 billion euros
- The battery accounts for a third of the value of an electric vehicle, an area where China excels
- Chinese production costs remain 30% lower than in Eastern European countries
- Chinese sales already happen almost exclusively without any bonus, to private buyers and private fleets
In other words: even without public support, Chinese carmakers remain competitive. And by setting up plants in Europe, they will eventually be able to meet the local content thresholds.
And on the used car market?
This aspect is often overlooked. With sales of new Chinese cars rising, the supply of used ones is starting to grow on platforms such as Gocar.be or AutoScout24.
For Belgian buyers, this means:
- New opportunities at attractive prices
- But also legitimate questions about long-term reliability, residual value and warranty cover
What this changes for you in Belgium
| Situation | Impact of the new rules |
| You are buying a new Chinese car | Prices may rise if the extra duties remain, but no eco-bonus |
| You are buying a European car | European carmakers under pressure to cut their prices in the face of competition |
| You are selling your current car | The market remains buoyant, with record used car sales in 2025 |
| You want the best value for money | Chinese models remain very competitive, especially BYD and MG |
Garage Privé's advice
At Garage Privé, we are not tied to any manufacturer. Our role as an independent car agent in Walloon Brabant lets us advise you impartially, whether it is a European, Asian, Chinese or American brand.
What we do for you:
- Objective analysis of each model based on your real needs (use, budget, family)
- 111-point inspection on every vehicle, whatever its origin
- Negotiation of the best price on the market, with no bias
- Full handling of the paperwork, including for imported vehicles
Torn between a Chinese and a European model? Want to understand how the new taxes affect your car budget?
Contact us for free advice tailored to you.
FAQ
Are Chinese cars sold in Belgium reliable?
Brands such as BYD and MG offer extended warranties (up to 7 years) and high equipment levels. However, the after-sales network is still being developed. Professional guidance when buying is still recommended.
Will the EU's extra duties push up the prices of Chinese cars?
The extra duties (up to 43%) are already in force, but Chinese carmakers absorb part of these costs through their margins. Setting up plants in Europe could reduce these extra costs over time.
What is the 70% local content required by the EU?
It is the minimum percentage of parts and components made in Europe that a vehicle must contain to qualify for public support and the “Made in Europe” label. Vehicles that do not meet this threshold can still be sold, but without access to bonuses.