Top executives from major automakers Stellantis and Renault have publicly advocated for the United Kingdom to be integrated into upcoming European Union industrial protection frameworks. Emanuele Cappellano of Stellantis and François Provost of Renault argue that for the purposes of the proposed “Made in Europe” legislation, the UK should be treated as if it were one of the 27 EU member states.

The proposed legislation is designed to ensure that government subsidies and public procurement contracts prioritize European-manufactured goods. By including the UK in this classification, the automakers hope to prevent a fragmented supply chain and ensure that British-based production remains eligible for the same benefits as those within the EU bloc.

Beyond the integration of the UK into EU policy, the executives also signaled a need for the British government to take a harder stance on international competition. Specifically, both companies urged the UK to consider implementing limits on the import of Chinese-manufactured vehicles. This request reflects growing industry concern regarding the competitive pressure posed by Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, who have been expanding their market share across Europe. While the automakers frame this as a necessary step to safeguard the domestic industry, the proposal highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining open trade and protecting regional manufacturing jobs against lower-cost global competitors.