France has called on Stellantis and Renault to prioritise local parts suppliers instead of Chinese alternatives, as European carmakers increase manufacturing and procurement links with Chinese companies. 

French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said both groups should show “European preference” in their supplier relationships. 

In an interview published in La Tribune Dimanche, Lescure said the companies "must play their part on European preference, including in terms of purchases from their suppliers”. 

The French state owns a 15% stake in Renault and has for years backed local-content rules for electric vehicles while the European Commission prepares new automotive regulation. 

Its call comes as Chinese carmakers look to avoid EU import tariffs and stricter rules by setting up or gaining access to manufacturing sites in Europe. 

The report said Stellantis has made the clearest moves in that direction.  

As part of a wider operational overhaul, it has agreed deals with two Chinese partners, including a pact with Leapmotor that will provide access to a production facility in Spain. 

The two companies have also said they plan to widen joint purchasing. 

Bloomberg reported that France's Force Ouvrière labour union has cautioned that more agreements involving underused Stellantis plants in Europe are likely, adding to concerns about engineering jobs and the local supply chain. 

Renault has previously said it has no spare capacity to make available to Chinese rivals.  

However, its chief executive, François Provost, has increasingly relied on Chinese suppliers to lower vehicle costs. 

Separately, Volkswagen has indicated it is open to sharing European plants with Chinese manufacturers as it seeks to lower production costs and simplify operations. 

BYD and Xpeng are among the Chinese groups reported to be weighing European factory arrangements. 

France's intervention mirrors wider concern in Europe that closer business links between established carmakers and Chinese companies could weaken domestic industrial capacity and supplier networks.