Brief
Renault MD urges UK to match EU tariffs on Chinese cars
Renault’s Francois Provost says the UK should follow the EU’s 35% tariff plan on Chinese‑made vehicles.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Renault Group managing director Francois Provost told The Independent that the United Kingdom should adopt tariffs of up to 35 percent on Chinese‑made cars, mirroring the European Union’s proposed measures. Provost made the comments ahead of the Paris Motor Show, stressing the importance of a coordinated European response.
What happened
Provost, who oversees Renault, Dacia and Alpine, said the UK has long been part of Europe’s automotive ecosystem and should therefore be included in any deal that protects European manufacturers. He argued that a tariff of up to 35 percent on Chinese imports would level the playing field for UK‑based production, which is not automatically covered by the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA). The IAA aims to boost car, battery and clean‑technology manufacturing within the bloc using public spending rather than relying on imports.
What the report adds
The Independent notes that Chinese brands have captured close to 20 percent of the UK market so far this year, with the Jaecoo 7 topping September registrations. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders warned that UK‑built cars could miss out on incentives and public contracts unless the tariff framework changes. Provost also highlighted that the Renault 5, one of Europe’s best‑selling EVs, faces pressure from Chinese rivals.
What was said
Provost told the outlet, “Renault’s position on this topic is very, very clear: the UK has been part of Europe’s ecosystem for centuries… I think we should have a deal between EU and UK saying that for existing capacity in UK, they should be considered as the ecosystem of European cars.” He added, “I think so,” when asked if the UK should impose the same tariffs as the EU.
How it came about
The call comes as the EU prepares its Industrial Accelerator Act, which could grant up to 35 percent tariffs on Chinese cars entering the bloc. Earlier this week, Felo News reported on the EU‑China preliminary trade deal that would cut Chinese EV imports to the EU by up to 50 percent (EU‑China trade deal). Provost’s remarks link the UK’s potential tariff policy to these broader European negotiations.
Key facts
- Renault MD Francois Provost urges the UK to impose tariffs of up to 35% on Chinese‑made cars. (independent.co.uk)
- Chinese brands account for close to 20% of the UK car market in 2026, with the Jaecoo 7 leading September registrations. (independent.co.uk)
- The EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act proposes similar tariffs to protect European manufacturers. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Renault Group MD says UK should put a tariff on Chinese imports”
