Following the example of BYD, which rented the Paris Opera for a major event, Chinese car brands are entering Europe with confidence, backed by technology that Europeans are struggling to replicate. Largely unknown in Europe three years ago, brands like BYD, MG, Chery, Geely, Leapmotor, Jaecoo, and Xpeng reached 9% of total European sales in March, and 14% in the electric vehicle segment. Their success is shaking European manufacturers, who are weakened by a shrinking domestic market and surprised by the EU's 2035 electric vehicle targets. Analysts note that Chinese manufacturers are not only competitive on labour costs but also lead in innovation and efficiency. To bypass tariffs and logistics issues, Chinese firms are now moving towards local production in Europe, while European manufacturers are increasingly forming partnerships with their Chinese counterparts to learn and compete.