China - October 04, 2024

Probe into Chinese EVs triggers internal division, public concern in Europe

(Voice_over)

China and the European Union are still in discussions over proposed import duties on Chinese electric vehicles ahead of a final vote on the matter.

In July, the EU announced plans to levy duties of up to 36 percent on some Chinese electric vehicle imports after an evaluation concluded that China's large state subsidies had created an unfair playing field for European EV manufacturers.

But many in the European bloc are pushing back against the tariffs.

Like Germany, whose major auto makers BMW and Volkswagen both produce cars in China that might be subject to tariffs of more than 20 percent.

China, for its part, has threatened retaliatory import tariffs on products that originate in Europe. Like ham, from Spain. Or cheese from France.

Caught in the middle are drivers who simply want more sustainable transportation.

(Sound_bite)

Bortuzzo, Luxembourg resident:

"I don't really care whether it's from a Chinese company or a European company or an American company. I want a good car that helps the planet to survive."

(Voice_over)

Legal experts, meanwhile, question the EU's original investigation into China's oversized subsidies.

(Sound_bite)

Kolocheter, Senior partner, VeriLex Legal:

"To have a subsidy, you need to have an action from the government. And here what we see is just private companies like CATL selling batteries to Chinese car manufacturers, and we don't really see the link with the government in there."

(Voice_over)

The European Commission had planned to hold a final vote on the EV tariffs by the end of September, but the vote has been delayed.

[Restriction: No access Chinese mainland]