02.10.2024, 23:15
Volkswagen is unprofitable to introduce increased tariffs on electric vehicles from China
Source: OREANDA-NEWS
OREANDA-NEWS The Volkswagen concern is unprofitable for the introduction of increased tariffs on electric vehicles from China, which is being discussed in the European Union, since the negative consequences of this decision will outweigh any expected benefits for the German automotive industry, a company representative said in response to a request from RIA Novosti.
"Against the background of the current weak demand for electric vehicles in Germany and Europe, the moment when the EU commission makes a decision will be unprofitable. The negative consequences of this decision outweigh any potential benefits for the European and, in particular, the German automotive industry," he said.
The representative of the concern stressed that Volkswagen is open to challenges and growing competition in the international market and with China, which, in turn, benefits the company's customers.
"Duties in general are not suitable for strengthening the competitiveness of the European automotive industry in the long term - we reject them... Free, fair trade and open markets are the foundation for prosperity, employment and sustainable growth around the world," he explained.
The Volkswagen spokesman also confirmed recent German media reports that the company is calling on the German government to vote against the imposition of EU tariffs on imports of electric cars from China. "We expect the German government to take a clear position on this issue," he added.
Earlier, Reuters, citing sources, reported that EU countries may approve on Friday the introduction of duties of up to 45% on imports of Chinese electric vehicles.
At the end of September, the European Commission announced that it had sent to interested parties a draft final decision on the introduction of import duties on electric vehicles from China, which will range from 17% to 36.3%, depending on the manufacturer. The duties on Tesla cars will amount to 9%. The duties will be finally introduced no later than November this year.
Earlier, the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China stated that the EU was escalating trade disputes that could provoke a "trade war". The ministry noted that the EU's methods are a model of protectionism, and China is firm in its determination to protect its legitimate interests.
"Against the background of the current weak demand for electric vehicles in Germany and Europe, the moment when the EU commission makes a decision will be unprofitable. The negative consequences of this decision outweigh any potential benefits for the European and, in particular, the German automotive industry," he said.
The representative of the concern stressed that Volkswagen is open to challenges and growing competition in the international market and with China, which, in turn, benefits the company's customers.
"Duties in general are not suitable for strengthening the competitiveness of the European automotive industry in the long term - we reject them... Free, fair trade and open markets are the foundation for prosperity, employment and sustainable growth around the world," he explained.
The Volkswagen spokesman also confirmed recent German media reports that the company is calling on the German government to vote against the imposition of EU tariffs on imports of electric cars from China. "We expect the German government to take a clear position on this issue," he added.
Earlier, Reuters, citing sources, reported that EU countries may approve on Friday the introduction of duties of up to 45% on imports of Chinese electric vehicles.
At the end of September, the European Commission announced that it had sent to interested parties a draft final decision on the introduction of import duties on electric vehicles from China, which will range from 17% to 36.3%, depending on the manufacturer. The duties on Tesla cars will amount to 9%. The duties will be finally introduced no later than November this year.
Earlier, the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China stated that the EU was escalating trade disputes that could provoke a "trade war". The ministry noted that the EU's methods are a model of protectionism, and China is firm in its determination to protect its legitimate interests.
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