STORY: German auto association chief sees new tariffs, protectionism as "wrong way to go"
SHOOTING TIME: May 14, 2024
DATELINE: May 16, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:27
LOCATION: Berlin
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1.  various of NEVs production in China
2. SOUNDBITE (German): HILDEGARD MUELLER, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA)

STORYLINE:

The recent so-called narrative of overcapacity on Chinese NEVs is "questionable," said Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), during an interview with Xinhua on Tuesday.

SOUNDBITE (German): HILDEGARD MUELLER, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA)
"I find this word questionable. 
In China, around 16 percent of the cars produced are exported. The German auto industry has higher export figures. We export three out of four cars produced and therefore experience international, global competition.
Fair competition is always important.
What is important is that the markets are mutually open and that everyone has the same access. We accept the competition. This also means that we would welcome Chinese companies coming to Germany and producing here."

The German car industry is on an ambitious path towards climate neutrality. The VDA has previously committed to achieving this goal by 2050.

Mueller said that China is indispensable for the climate neutrality of the German automotive industry, as this rapid growth in China has benefited the European country technologically.

SOUNDBITE (German): HILDEGARD MUELLER, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA)
"We believe that building up new tariffs and sliding into protectionism is the wrong way to go. Rather, we need to talk to each other so that it is equally possible for companies of both sides to approach each other, produce there and sell there."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Berlin.
(XHTV)