Italy’s car industry is worried that new EU rules meant to protect European factories could end up helping car production in Morocco and Turkey. Roberto Vavassori, president of the Italian Association of the Automotive Industry (ANFIA), criticised the draft Industrial Accelerator Act in an interview with Reuters.
“As it is written now, it accelerates nothing except the announced death of the automotive industry,” he said.
The EU plan aims to support local production and encourage companies to use more European-made parts.
But carmakers want factories in Morocco and Turkey to count towards some future “Made in Europe” rules. Both countries have close trade links with the EU.
That has raised concerns among Italian parts makers, who say cheaper production outside the EU could put more pressure on European factories.
Italy wants 80% tariffs on Chinese cars
ANFIA is also calling for tougher action against Chinese carmakers.
It wants the EU to impose tariffs of up to 80% on Chinese vehicles and parts once Chinese companies pass a set share of the European market.
Chinese brands had already reached more than 9% of the EU car market in early 2026.
“We have maximum respect for what the Chinese industry has achieved. But that respect has now turned into fear. Europe cannot lose an industry which is essential for its strategic autonomy,” Mr Vavassori said.
Italian car-parts exports are already under pressure.
ANFIA expects exports to fall by 10% this year, after a 4.6% drop in the first half. It says exports could fall by 40% to 50% by 2028 without stronger trade protection.
Italian suppliers exported €4.9bn ($5.7bn) worth of car parts to Germany in 2025. Volkswagen accounted for up to 20% of those orders, according to ANFIA.
Vehicle production in Morocco has grown quickly over the past decade, reaching about one million vehicles a year.
Lower production costs have helped make the country an important base for European carmakers.
The growth has also increased competition for some factories in Europe.
Stellantis has expanded production in Morocco while several Italian plants face pressure from falling demand and changes in production.
Mr Vavassori also criticised plans by Chinese carmakers to build assembly plants in Europe.
“They are screwdriver factories… Chinese manufacturers will keep importing most components from China or low-cost countries close to Europe,” he said.
The issue leaves the EU trying to balance two goals: protecting car production inside Europe while keeping the supply chains that European manufacturers rely on.
