MOSCOW, Oct 3 – German carmaker Volkswagen said on Wednesday that it opposes Brussels’ plans to introduce import duties on electric cars from China and calls on the German government to vote against this in the European Union, reported Sputnik quoting a local media report.
“Volkswagen rejects the planned import duties … We expect the German government to take a clear position on this issue,” a spokesperson told the DPA news agency.
The carmaker calls on the German government to vote against this initiative as it is “not the right approach,” the spokesperson added.
Later, a company representative told RIA Novosti that the Volkswagen Group is not interested in higher duties on electric cars from China.
“Against the backdrop of the current weak demand for electric cars in Germany and Europe, the timing of the EU Commission’s decision will be disadvantageous. The negative consequences of this decision outweigh any potential benefits for the European and, in particular, the German automotive industry,” he said.
The spokesman emphasized that Volkswagen is open to challenges and growing competition in the international market with China, which, in turn, is beneficial for the company’s customers.
