European Luxury Brands Abandon Plug-in Hybrids in China Amid Tax Shift and Rising Competition In a significant shift in the Chinese automotive market, several European premium brands, including Mercedes, BMW, and Audi, have quietly discontinued their plug-in hybrid models in the country. The decision comes in response to recent changes in China's tax policies, which have made the once-popular plug-in hybrids less competitive compared to their full-electric counterparts. Furthermore, the growing presence of local Chinese automakers, such as BYD and Geely, has intensified competition in the market, pushing European brands to adapt their product offerings to stay ahead. As a result, owners of plug-in hybrids in China may soon find themselves with limited options for replacement or maintenance, highlighting the rapidly evolving landscape of the country's automotive sector.


European premium automakers including Mercedes, BMW and Audi have eliminated plug-in hybrids from China after tax rule changes and superior local competition made their shorter-range models obsolete ...