China supports investment by its automakers in Europe and wants automotive disputes with the European Union resolved through consultation, while BMW CEO Milan Nedeljkovic backed voluntary pricing agreements with China instead of additional tariffs. The discussions come as Chinese manufacturers seek European factory sites ahead of expected EU local-content rules, and as officials consider extending trade measures to plug-in hybrids. China-made plug-in hybrids are not covered by the EU’s additional tariffs of up to 35.3% on battery-electric vehicles made in China. Wang said China would use the China-EU trade consultation mechanism to pursue solutions based on compliance, balance and non-discrimination, while Nedeljkovic warned that tariffs could intensify protectionism and escalation. The automotive debate forms part of wider China-EU tensions over market access, export controls and the bloc’s trade deficit with China.