Citroën is only semi-satisfied by an EU decision to ease a ban on petrol and diesel car sales after 2035, CEO Xavier Chardon told Euronews’ The Big Question.
The new plan, announced in December, means that only 90% of new cars sold from 2035 will have to be zero-emission, rather than 100%.
While critics of the easing argue that such a move derails the EU’s climate ambitions, many carmakers are relieved by the more generous timeframe.
“I’m reacting with half a smile … because at least we were listened to and we see there’s potential for improvement, and an understanding of the situation,” said Chardon.
“But there are many topics that haven’t been addressed yet.”
In this episode of The Big Question, Euronews’ Eleanor Butler is joined by the Citroën CEO to discuss how the French car manufacturer is adapting to a new European environment.
Can European carmakers survive Chinese competition?
Chardon highlighted that EV adoption is still lagging in Europe due to poor charging infrastructure and high prices, meaning a strict ban on combustion energy cars would hit Europe’s already-struggling carmakers.
Countries like Germany and France, once auto powerhouses, have seen their industries hit in recent years by high input costs, fierce Chinese competition, and a lack of political clarity over the EV transition.
One issue with the new rules, according to Chardon, is that demanding conditions have been placed on cars that aren’t zero-emission sold after 2035. Although carmakers are allowed a 10% quota of petrol, diesel, or hybrid cars, these vehicles will need to have other green credentials—such as the required use of biofuel or low-carbon steel.
“You are supporting expensive technologies so you are not really supporting an expansion of the European car market,” said Chardon.
Commenting on other relief measures from Brussels, he argued that EU tariffs on imported Chinese vehicles, imposed in 2024, haven’t done much to slow the Chinese offensive in Europe. This is because the tariffs are focused on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) rather than hybrids, Chardon said.
Chinese firms have subsequently shifted their focus to circumvent the levies.
China’s global auto exports surged 21% in 2025, according to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Figures from ACEA and S&P Global Mobility also show that China-manufactured cars accounted for 6% of sales in the EU in the first half of 2025, up from 5% in the same period of 2024.
By 2030, Chinese carmakers are likely to double their European market share to about 10%, according to the consultancy AlixPartners.
Is price the most important factor when choosing a car?
For many European customers, the decision to buy a Chinese car might come down to price, with firms like BYD managing to undercut domestic competitors on cost.
While Citroën is working to improve affordability, Chardon warned that “you cannot reduce everything to price”.
“You need to be affordable but also have content that stands out in the market.”
Chardon also stressed that the development of battery capabilities remains a priority for Citroën and parent company Stellantis, despite the easing of the EU emissions ban. Stellantis invests in battery-making sites across Europe, recently partnering with Chinese firm CATL to build a factory in northeastern Spain.
The Big Questionis a series from Euronews Business where we sit down with industry leaders and experts to discuss some of the most important topics on today’s agenda.
Watch the video above to see the full discussion with Citroën’s Xavier Chardon.
