VOLKSWAGEN URGES GERMAN GOVERNMENT TO OPPOSE EU IMPORT DUTIES ON CHINESE ELECTRIC VEHICLES

MOSCOW, Oct 3 (Bernama-Sputnik) -- 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.

He also confirmed recent reports in German media that the company is calling on the German government to vote against import duties on electric cars from China.

Media earlier reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that the EU countries could approve the introduction of duties of up to 45 per cent on imports of Chinese electric vehicles on Friday.

In July, the European Commission said it imposed provisional countervailing duties on imports of electric vehicles from China due to state subsidies in their production. In August, the Commission sent out to interested parties a draft final decision on import duties on Chinese electric cars. The duties will range from 17 per cent to 36.3 per cent depending on the manufacturer. The decision is expected to come into force no later than November. The Chinese Commerce Ministry has repeatedly accused Brussels of stoking up trade conflicts that may result in a full-fledged trade war.

--BERNAMA-SPUTNIK