Automakers sue against tariffs on electric cars from China

(dpa) German manufacturers have never been in favor of EU tariffs on electric cars from China. The dispute over this will now continue in court.

A pedestrian crosses a street adjacent to a bike path and a charging spot for electric cars in the city center. To reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector as quickly as possible, Baden-Württemberg's Minister of Transport, Hermann, considers a rapid expansion of e-mobility to be the best solution. (Photo: Marijan Murat/dpa)
A pedestrian crosses a street adjacent to a bike path and a charging spot for electric cars in the city center. To reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector as quickly as possible, Baden-Württemberg's Minister of Transport, Hermann, considers a rapid expansion of e-mobility to be the best solution. (Photo: Marijan Murat/dpa)

Car manufacturers are taking legal action against EU special tariffs on electric cars from China. In addition to Tesla and BMW, Mercedes-Benz is now also going to the EU court against EU tariffs on the import of electric vehicles from China, as a company spokeswoman said. When asked about Tesla's lawsuit, a spokesperson for the European Commission said:

«We are prepared to defend our case in court.»

Countervailing Duties Cause Concerns

Since the end of October, a so-called countervailing duty must be paid for electric cars imported from China. The amount varies depending on the manufacturer. For electric vehicles from the producer Geely, 18.8 percent is due. For Tesla, a rate of 7.8 percent applies, and for BMW, it is 20.7 percent. These duties come on top of an existing tariff rate of ten percent. Mercedes is working with Geely in China. 

Hoping for Agreement

BMW views the tariffs critically, as they would, from the company's perspective, restrict the availability of electric cars for European customers and make the transition to climate-friendly transport more difficult. Despite the lawsuit, they hope for a political agreement.

"The aim remains to avoid a trade conflict that ultimately knows only losers," according to BMW.

Content automatically translated.
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