China’s commerce minister Wang Wentao talked with the heads of major car manufacturers including BYD and Geely on April 7 in Paris, as the companies scramble for solutions to an ongoing probe by the European Commission that could result in substantial tariffs on their imports of electric vehicles into the EU. Why it matters: The meeting comes as the EU prepares to publish its findings on whether Chinese automakers have benefited unfairly from state subsidies. Representatives of BYD, SAIC, and Geely were said to have accompanied Wang during his trip. De Meo suggested that Chinese automakers establish their supply chain locally, sources told Reuters. Major Chinese automakers, including BYD, SAIC, and Chery, are also planning to construct their own car factories in Europe while also building vessels for shipments, as they look to capture a significant market share in the region with their affordable EVs.