Assembly of the first-generation Audi A7 began in January 2018 at the Volkswagen Group subsidiary’s plant in Neckarsulm, Germany. Output is expected to peak at more than 20,000 units in 2020, according to IHS Markit.

Tie-ups are seen as a way to combat declining diesel sales and new European Union rules on emissions that are putting many suppliers under pressure.

Suppliers hope to win more time from the new European Commission as the industry prepares for the disruptive switch to mass electrification after lobbying for less-stringent emissions targets failed to sway EU legislators.

VinFast began delivering cars with BMW engines to customers in Vietnam this year. Pham Nhat Vuong, the billionaire behind the startup, aims to expand into EVs that will be exported to the U.S. and Europe in 2021.