German automakers are increasingly taking on the role of spectators in the Chinese car market. In the booming market for EVs, Volkswagen has just a 2.4 percent market share. BMW and Mercedes have less than one percent, figures from the state motor insurance company show. The problem is self-made, a high-ranking Mercedes insider tells Table.Media. The joint ventures with competitors from the People’s Republic were a mistake in the long term and the technical lead of Chinese manufacturers in e-mobility can no longer be made up.