Why Europe’s Vaunted Car Industry Is in Crisis, in Charts

New tariffs under Donald Trump would pose yet another challenge for Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW

By Stephen Wilmot of The WSJ. Excerpts:

"Europe’s carmakers used to rule the world. Now they are fighting battles on every front.

At home, tougher emissions rules are forcing them to sell more electric vehicles, which are less profitable."

"European carmakers planned for a rapid adoption of electric vehicles, spurred by regulators. But after an early burst of enthusiasm, consumers haven’t cooperated, wary of high prices and patchy charging infrastructure."

"Starting next year, carmakers will have to sell many more EVs or hybrids in the EU to comply with new limits on carbon-dioxide emissions, or else pay fines. In the U.K., manufacturers face hefty penalties if EVs account for less than 22% of their sales this year."