Celso Besolí, president of the Barcelona Garage Association: "The massive arrival of Chinese cars has destroyed our market."

"These people have destroyed our market." This is how Celso Besolí, president of the Barcelona Workshop Association, speaks emphatically about the massive arrival of Chinese cars in Catalonia, Spain, and throughout Europe. Right now, this phenomenon can be seen most clearly at the Barcelona Motor Show, which is open until Sunday, and where 70% of the exhibitors are Chinese brands. "They've taken everything," he notes.

We're talking about brands like Morris Garage —better known as MG—, Omoda, Jaecoo, and BYD , currently the world's leading electric car manufacturer, surpassing Tesla. In the first quarter of the year, BYD tripled its sales in Catalonia, despite the tariffs imposed by Europe.

Some brands have opted not to raise prices and absorb this margin as their own costs, while others have changed their strategy, opting for combustion-powered vehicles, which avoid these taxes. According to Besolí, these cars are so popular because of their attractive design and affordable price. Some are under €20,000.

Spare parts: the weak point of Chinese cars?

This is the big question surrounding these brands. Since they aren't rooted in the region and therefore don't have their own infrastructure, what happens when a car from these brands is involved in a crash and a body part needs to be replaced? Well, according to Besolí, "right now there's an average waiting list of three months to replace parts," such as bumpers.

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In any case, the expert adds that Chinese companies are fully aware of this obstacle and assures that they have already taken action. "The first ones to arrive, like MG, had quite a few problems with spare parts, but they've now overcome them and want to set up parts warehouses in the state. Since transportation is easy, customers can now receive parts in just three or four days," he explains. In fact, MG has already opened a center of this type in Guadalajara.

Older European cars also have spare parts problems.

The problem with spare parts isn't exclusive to Chinese cars. Mechanics also have a real headache finding spare parts for European vehicles, especially those more than ten years old, because manufacturers aren't required to manufacture them.

Added to this, according to Besolí, is the fact that there is less stock and a lack of investment due to the uncertainty in the sector with the arrival of the Chinese boom.