Weeks after Europe imposed additional tariffs on electric vehicles made in China, the country’s car companies were defiant at France’s leading auto event.
Automakers are exploring energy storage as a way to help utilities and save customers money, turning an expensive component into an industry asset.
The latest proposal comes from Luca de Meo, the C.E.O. of Renault Group, who is pushing for an Airbus-inspired alliance that would help European automakers fend off competition from cheaper Chinese-made electric vehicles.
Seeking deeper cooperation on electric cars, the automakers said they would resolve a yearslong dispute that became the backdrop to Carlos Ghosn’s downfall.
The two automakers and Mitsubishi plan to strengthen their alliance by adding 35 electric models to their lineups by 2030.
Daimler reported unexpectedly strong profits, underlining a rebound by traditional carmakers despite the pandemic.
As Tesla completes a factory in Berlin, Mercedes-Benz and Audi are introducing electric cars in bids to defend their dominance of the luxury market.