China EU Auto Sector Investment Deputy Minister
- China has reiterated its welcome for continued investment from European automakers, emphasizing collaboration in the transition towards electric adn intelligent vehicles.
- The discussions took place with Hildegard Mueller, President of the German association of the automotive Industry (VDA), and Ola Kallenius, President of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA)...
- Ling Ji highlighted the deep integration of the Chinese and European automotive sectors, noting the substantial investments European companies like Mercedes-Benz have made in localizing production and integrating...
China Signals Openness to Continued European Automotive Investment Amid Trade Concerns
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Strengthening Ties Despite Anti-Subsidy examination
China has reiterated its welcome for continued investment from European automakers, emphasizing collaboration in the transition towards electric adn intelligent vehicles. This message was delivered during recent video conferences between Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Ling ji and leaders from the German and European automotive industries, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Commerce on Monday, December 4, 2023.
The discussions took place with Hildegard Mueller, President of the German association of the automotive Industry (VDA), and Ola Kallenius, President of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) and Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz group AG.
Deeply Integrated Supply Chains
Ling Ji highlighted the deep integration of the Chinese and European automotive sectors, noting the substantial investments European companies like Mercedes-Benz have made in localizing production and integrating into China’s automotive supply chains. Kallenius specifically emphasized the increasing localization efforts of European automakers in recent years.
This integration underscores the complex economic relationship between the two regions, even as the European Union investigates potential anti-subsidy practices related to Chinese electric vehicles. The EU launched this investigation in September 2023, alleging unfair competition due to substantial Chinese government subsidies.
Seeking Pragmatic Resolution to trade Dispute
Both Mueller and Kallenius expressed concerns regarding the potential imposition of countervailing duties on Chinese electric vehicles. Mueller stated the German automotive association opposes such duties,while Ling Ji urged the European Commission to work with China to find a “pragmatic solution” to the anti-subsidy case as quickly as possible.
The Chinese government hopes both sides will strengthen cooperation in industrial and supply chains, signaling a desire to de-escalate tensions and maintain a collaborative approach to the future of the automotive industry. This comes as China is the world’s largest automotive market, and European automakers are keen to maintain their presence and market share.