Hyundai CEO's Warning About Chinese Cars for the US
Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz said that if similar conditions arise for the rapidly growing Chinese car brands in Europe, the US market could also strengthen.
Hyundai Motor senior executive (CEO) Jose Munoz said that the growth of Chinese car manufacturers in Europe could also be seen in the U.S. market if similar conditions arise. Munoz pointed out the importance of the Washington administration maintaining current customs duties and market‑access measures.
Price Gap in Chinese Vehicles
Munoz said that Chinese cars are sold in some European countries such as Italy, Spain and France at prices 30% to 40% lower than competing models. He noted that the price gap persists despite the tariffs the European Union has imposed on electric vehicles produced in China.
Market Share Rises in Europe
According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, the share of Chinese brands among cars sold in the European Union rose above 9% in the first half of 2026. In the United Kingdom, the share of Chinese brands in new car registrations was recorded at 15% earlier this year.
Attention Drawn to the UK Example
Munoz linked Chinese brands' attainment of a significant market share in the UK to market entry conditions. Following the UK's exit from the European Union, the fact that Chinese-made cars were not subject to tariffs similar to those applied to the EU emerged as one of the key points in Munoz's assessment.
High Customs Duties in the United States
Tariffs at roughly 100 percent on Chinese-made electric vehicles entering the U.S. market directly pose a significant barrier. Munoz argued that similar protective conditions should be maintained to limit the influence of Chinese firms in the U.S. market.
Trump's Open Invitation to Chinese Manufacturers
President Donald Trump, in a statement to Fox News last week, said he would be open to allowing Chinese automakers to operate in the United States if they set up factories there. The remark reignited debate over the possibility of Chinese automakers producing in the U.S.
Similar Outlook from Ford
Ford CEO Jim Farley had also informed employees in a message sent in July that the company was preparing for the possibility that Chinese automakers could enter the U.S. market within the next five to ten years. Thus, assessments of the potential competition from Chinese manufacturers in the U.S. automotive sector have intensified recently.
He drew attention to China's technological progress.
Munoz, who had previously managed Nissan's operations in China for about ten years, highlighted the pace of technological development in the Chinese automotive sector. The Hyundai CEO noted that progress in innovation, technology, and manufacturing capacity in the country had reached an impressive level.
Hyundai's Autonomous Driving Plan
Munoz also announced that Hyundai's plans for advanced driving assistance systems had been postponed. The target to launch vehicles equipped with the company's own Level 2++ system was moved from the end of 2027 to the end of 2029. During this period, Hyundai plans to collaborate with Nvidia to bring vehicles with Level 2+ and Level 2++ features to market in 2028.
The company will develop its own technology.
Munoz said that Hyundai aims to develop its own solutions in autonomous driving and battery technologies in the long term. He said the company could resort to acquisitions and temporary partnerships in some areas, but wants to build its own infrastructure in technologies it considers strategic.
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