While Chinese-made electric buses have been present in Finland for several years now, Chinese electric automobiles entered the Finnish market this past spring only. MG (SAIC Motor) and BYD have started sales in Finland, attracting extensive coverage in Finland’s automotive press, with a particular focus on prices and short delivery time.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, Tero Lausala, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Finnish Central Organization for Motor Trade and Repairs (AKL), emphasized that pricing is a key factor contributing to the competitive edge of Chinese automobiles in Europe.
Although Chinese-brand electric cars are only beginning to enter the Finnish market, and the models currently available in Finland are positioned at the higher end of the price spectrum, Lausala believes that more affordable models will become available in the future.
In 2022, 18 percent of new automobiles registered in Finland were fully electric. This year, the rate of new electric registrations is expected to increase further, largely driven by orders made in 2022, as fuel prices have significantly increased.
The AKL anticipates that by 2025, 42 percent of first registrations in Finland will be electric, and by 2030, this figure is projected to reach 70 percent.
Lausala said he was also looking forward to the arrival in Finland of Chinese electric car manufacturer NIO. He told the Finnish business daily Kauppalehti that their electric station wagons, a segment in demand by Finns, along with BYD, will be interesting to watch as their sales progress.
AKL is an association that serves and represents the financial and labor market interests of automobile, truck and machinery sales companies, among others. Its membership comprises over 95 percent of new car dealers in Finland.