Alternatively, punitive tariffs on imports from China could accelerate Chinese EV makers' plans to build in Europe, analysts said, raising competition for domestic carmakers.
"Volkswagen could gain from lower mass-market competition, but is the most exposed ... premium OEMs ...face the risk of retaliation and might see their China-export plans sent awry," he added.
By 1210 GMT, the STOXX Europe 600 Auto (.SXAP) index was down 1.46%, while the broader market was steady.
BMW, which exports the iX3 from China and plans to export the Mini from 2024, fell 2.08%, with Mercedes-Benz down 1.56% and Volkswagen down 1.83%.
Stocks of carmakers Renault and Stellantis, which are less exposed to the Chinese market than their German counterparts, saw smaller dips of 1.33% and 0.81% respectively.
Persons:
Annegret, Emmanuel Macron, Daniel Roeska, Bernstein, Danilo Masoni, Victoria Waldersee, Josephine Mason, Thomas Leigh, Michel Rose, Sharon Singleton, David Holmes
Organizations:
REUTERS, EV, HK, European Commission, Renault, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes, Benz, Porsche, carmakers Renault, Thomson
Locations:
Berlin, Germany, Beijing, China, Europe, France