German autos production under growing threat from China – IW study

Imports of Chinese vehicles and parts to Germany jumped 75% in the first half of the year while trade the other way slumped, showing the mounting pressure on Europe's biggest auto production hub. Several Chinese brands entered the German market this year, the German Economic Institute (IW) said in a report seen ahead of publication by Reuters, bringing the total to eight, though they still account for just 1.5% of vehicles sold in the country. Cars made in China by non-Chinese brands, such as the all-electric iX3 from Germany's BMW's, also contributed to the rise in imports.