London CNN —Shares in Europe’s largest carmaker Volkswagen and its French rival Renault dropped sharply Friday after UBS analysts recommended investors dump the stocks, citing the growing threat to their business from Chinese competitors.
Volkswagen was down 4.4% in late afternoon trade in Europe and Renault 5.6% lower, while the benchmark STOXX Europe 600 index was flat.
China is the biggest single market for Volkswagen but its sales there have been declining in the face of pressure from local competitors.
In their note, the UBS analysts highlighted the threat to the carmaker from “highly competitive” Chinese EVs.
Volkswagen, Renault and other global players have been teaming up with Chinese companies, too.
Persons:
” Patrick Hummel, David Lesne, Juan Perez, Carrascosa, BYD, Warren Buffett, ”, “, —, Geely
Organizations:
London CNN —, Volkswagen, French, Renault, UBS, Swiss, “ Renault, China Passenger Car Association . Vehicles
Locations:
Europe, China