Volkswagen Denies Calling for EU Tariffs on Chinese Hybrid Cars

Volkswagen Group has clarified its stance, refuting media reports suggesting its leadership urged the European Union to impose higher tariffs on hybrid vehicles imported from China. The company's CEO, Oliver Blume, stated that the group favors a fair and free trade environment.

Blume did not explicitly call for increased tariffs. Instead, he advocated for considering various potential solutions to ensure a level playing field between Europe and other global markets. These considerations include supporting the localization of production for Chinese automakers within Europe.

He further emphasized that should the EU decide to implement additional tariffs in the future, the rates should not exceed the current import duties applied to fully electric vehicles, in order to maintain healthy trade relations with China.

The company's statement addresses prior foreign media reports that alleged Blume supported a new tariff mechanism for Chinese-produced plug-in hybrid vehicles, mirroring the existing structure for electric vehicles, which includes a base 10% import duty plus a potential additional surcharge of up to 35%.