When we compare European manufacturers with the Chinese, the conversation usually revolves around batteries, software or manufacturing costs.

I think we overlook something much more valuable.

Europe has spent decades building an aftersales ecosystem that customers trust. Dealer networks, fleet management, insurance, workshops, certified used-car programmes and residual-value management all work together. That infrastructure is one of the reasons European manufacturers have been able to build such successful leasing and fleet businesses.

It is also one of the reasons many Chinese manufacturers are finding Europe harder than expected.

Selling a new electric vehicle is one challenge.

Creating confidence in that vehicle five years later is another altogether.

For the moment, that gives Europe an important advantage.

But I also think it may be temporary.

Electric vehicles require less maintenance. More functions move into software. Remote diagnostics reduce workshop visits. Manufacturers are experimenting with direct sales and digital customer relationships. If Chinese manufacturers learn how to manage used cars, digital aftersales and customer trust as effectively as they already manage manufacturing, the traditional dealership model will come under enormous pressure.

That would not only change competition between manufacturers.

It would fundamentally change what it means to be a car dealer.

Europe's aftersales network is a tremendous asset today.

The question is whether it can evolve before the market evolves without it.