Hyundai CEO says only a ‘level playing field’ can minimize damage from China

Hyundai CEO José Muñoz has addressed the growing anxiety within the automotive industry regarding the influx of low-cost, high-tech electric vehicles from China. While many industry leaders have expressed extreme pessimism, suggesting that Chinese competition could threaten the survival of Western automakers, Muñoz maintains a more measured perspective. He emphasizes that the primary concern is not competition itself, but the necessity of a 'level playing field.' According to Muñoz, the global automotive market requires fair regulatory and economic conditions to ensure that established manufacturers can compete effectively against Chinese imports. His comments highlight the ongoing tension between global trade integration and the protection of domestic manufacturing interests as the transition to electric mobility accelerates. The discussion underscores the broader geopolitical and economic challenges facing major car manufacturers as they navigate shifting market dynamics and the rapid advancement of Chinese EV technology.