Frankfurt am Main – The first chairwoman of IG Metall, Christiane Benner, and the GBR/KBR chairmen of the German automobile manufacturers Daniela Cavallo (Volkswagen) and Ergun Lümali share the approaching vote of the EU states on the planned import tariffs for electric vehicles produced in China (Mercedes-Benz), Dr. Martin Kimmich (BMW), Benjamin Gruschka (Ford), Jörg Schlagbauer (Audi), Uwe Baum (Opel/Stellantis) with:
“We reject the planned import tariffs and call on the federal government to vote against the introduction of the tariffs. With a view to the future prospects for hundreds of thousands of employees at German automobile manufacturers and their suppliers, we say unequivocally: the tariffs are the wrong approach, because they do not improve the competitiveness of the European automotive industry.
Both sides should do everything they can to find negotiated solutions for a fair competitive environment on the international automobile markets. In an escalating trade conflict, everyone would lose.
Given the strong mutual dependencies, we do not advocate “anti-China” tariffs, but rather a CO2-oriented trade and support regime that promotes the development of regional-local value chains. It should apply equally to German, European, US and Asian manufacturers. Value creation and employment at German and European locations must be at the forefront of European interest representation.
For example, when non-European automobile manufacturers set up shop, it must be ensured that European-made components (local content) are installed. The German and European supplier industries could also benefit and innovation in software-defined vehicles could take place more in Europe. The aim of the measures should not be to isolate ourselves from Chinese manufacturers, but rather to create fair competition and strengthen the German and European share of the added value of all vehicles sold here.”