China has agreed to halve its exports of hybrid cars to the European Union over the next four years. The landmark deal followed intense negotiations, as both sides sought to avoid a harmful trade war. The EU's trade commissioner, Maros Sefcovic, said the agreement could prevent millions of vehicles from entering the European market. He said: "This package proves that negotiations bring results." European carmakers have struggled to compete with cheaper Chinese imports. China's rise has raised fears of factory closures and job losses in Europe. Despite these concerns, Mr Sefcovic was pleased with the talks. He said the deal was "only a first step" towards more equitable trade relations.

China has rapidly become a major player in the global car industry. Chinese manufacturers have established a foothold in many markets worldwide. China's auto companies have become world leaders in electric and hybrid technology. Chinese cars are now very popular with motorists across the globe. Makers such as BYD, Xiaomi, and Geely offer competitively priced vehicles that are reliable and have good build quality. Consumers see these cars as more affordable alternatives to European and Japanese brands. Sales of Chinese cars in the EU now make up around 10 per cent of the new car market. In the UK, this figure has steadily risen to nearly 20 per cent.