BMW CEO Oliver Zipse said the EU's ban on gasoline cars could "threaten the European automotive industry in its heart."

BMW CEO Oliver Zipse on Tuesday called for an end to Europe's planned phaseout of new internal-combustion vehicle sales halfway through the next decade, arguing that it will force European automakers to rely on batteries from China.

Speaking at the Paris Motor Show on Tuesday, BMW chairman Oliver Zipse urged regulators to allow European motor manufacturers to play to their technological strengths, and permit a mix of next-generation, less polluting vehicles on the road, in addition to electric vehicles.