Markus Haupt, CEO of SEAT and Cupra, took over as president of ANFAC on Friday with a direct message to Chinese brands: they must produce in Europe to ensure fair competition.
Haupt replaced Josep María Recasens, who was recently named CEO of Indra. During his first meeting with the press in Madrid, the new president of the vehicle manufacturers' association reiterated that Chinese brands must integrate into the European industrial ecosystem.
“They invited us 50 years ago to participate in their industry and now we do not have to invent anything. They have to start manufacturing in Europe because it is the only way to guarantee fair competition between manufacturers,” Haupt said.
In 2025 Chinese brands reached a 10.2% share of the Spanish market with 27 brands operating. Meanwhile, national production fell from 2.37 million vehicles in 2024 to 2.27 million in 2025.
Haupt will promote the Plan España Auto 2030 and hold meetings with the government to accelerate its implementation. The automotive sector represents nearly 9% of Spanish GDP and generates around two million jobs.
