Automakers push Trump to keep Chinese cars out of the U.S.

Major automakers in the United States have asked Donald Trump not to open the door to Chinese cars, as his meeting with Xi Jinping approaches. The concern is that low-cost electric vehicles and other models could quickly gain ground in the American market, putting jobs and local investment under pressure.

For the industry, China remains a tough rival on pricing and batteries. In Europe, the issue is already central: if Washington were to harden its defenses further, the trade fight over electric cars could become even more tense in Western markets.