Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume has expressed support for European Union proposals intended to bolster the continent's domestic industrial base. Speaking ahead of the Paris Motor Show, Blume emphasized that European car manufacturers require a regulatory environment that allows them to compete under conditions comparable to their international rivals.

The core of the EU's proposed strategy involves implementing "Made in Europe" standards that prioritize and reward companies for creating value within the European Union. This policy shift is a direct response to the increasing market share of Chinese automotive brands, which have been able to offer lower-priced vehicles that have pressured traditional European manufacturers. Volkswagen, which has faced significant market challenges due to this influx of competition, is positioning itself as a key advocate for these protective measures. The initiative is part of a broader EU effort to prevent the erosion of its manufacturing sector, which has seen several industries struggle to maintain profitability against lower-cost imports from China.