Aerial view of cars in China set to be exported to Europe.
State media said the demand was made at a closed-door meeting [Getty Images]
Chinese car companies have called on Beijing to hit European Union rivals with import taxes of up to 25% if the trading bloc imposes tariffs on vehicles from China, the country's state media has reported.

The demand was reportedly made at a closed-door meeting organised by China's Ministry of Commerce, which was also attended by representatives of European car firms.

The measures would target cars from the EU with large petrol-driven engines.

Last week, the EU threatened Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers with tariffs of up to 38% from 4 July.

The meeting in Beijing was attended by four Chinese and six European car companies, according to an article published by a social media account affiliated with state broadcaster CCTV.

German car making giant Volkswagen has confirmed to the BBC that it was present at the meeting but declined to comment on what was discussed.

A very affordable car brand, and I also hope that India can have it