🚗🔥 In a bold move, the German automotive industry has come out swinging against the European Union's (EU) proposed tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) imported from China. Set to take effect this Friday, these additional tariffs could reach up to a whopping 37.6% while the EU and China continue their talks.
Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), didn't mince words: \"These extra duties are not the way to boost the competitiveness of the European automotive industry.\"
And she's not alone! Michael Schumann, chairman of the Board of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade, echoed these sentiments, saying, \"We vehemently and resolutely reject them.\"
But what's the big deal? 🤔 Well, industry leaders fear that these tariffs could backfire, slowing down the EU's push towards greener transportation and making electric cars less accessible to consumers. Oliver Zipse, chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, called the move a \"dead end,\" warning it could limit consumer choice and hinder the decarbonization of the transport sector.
Even Mercedes-Benz chimed in, stressing the importance of free and fair trade. \"If a general trend towards protectionism gains a foothold, this has negative economic consequences for all stakeholders involved,\" the company stated.
🌍 With the EU aiming to be climate-neutral by 2050, these tariffs could throw a wrench in the works. Electric vehicle registrations are already slipping, and additional costs might discourage potential buyers even more.
The German car industry isn't just thinking about profits—they're worried about you, the consumer, and our planet's future. 🌱 By making EVs more expensive, tariffs could slow down the shift to greener transport options.
Schumann urged the EU to think twice and act \"according to the true needs of the people.\" After all, who wants to pay more for a car that's better for the environment? 😕
In a world where collaboration is key, the message from Germany is clear: Let's keep the wheels of progress turning without unnecessary roadblocks! 🚀
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
