Chinese, European EV professionals call for cooperation, oppose trade protectionism

HAIKOU - Both Chinese and European electric vehicle (EV) makers and experts are calling for global cooperation and opposing trade protectionism at the ongoing 2024 World New Energy Vehicle Congress (WNEVC).

With the deep development of advanced technologies, collaborative research and global industrial chain cooperation have become more important to the automotive industry, Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), said Saturday on the congress.

"However, in 2024, we observe a rise in protectionist sentiments globally. An example is the EU's anti-subsidy investigation into EVs imported from China," Mueller said.

"For EU, imposing anti-subsidy tariffs is not yet an answer to the challenges facing the European automotive industry. Rather, it could easily escalate into a new trade conflict, sparking a spiral of protectionism," Mueller said.

She believed that for any country and region, any market, any industry, what's needed is simply an active industrial strategy, adding that Europe in particular must ensure that the conditions for business are improved.

She noted that the German automotive industry stands firm on the principles of free and fair trade. "We at the VDA will continue to advocate for open markets, globalization, international trade and investment and, above all, cooperation and continued dialogue," she added.

Gan Jiayue, CEO of Geely Auto Group, also called on the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry to strengthen its collaboration to achieve mutual benefits.

Some countries and regions are trying to restrict the application of China's NEVs by imposing additional tariffs and setting technical standards, Gan said on Saturday's congress, adding that if imposing additional tariffs, the EU will not only hamper China's economic development but also harm its own interests.

The automobile industry is an industry of global cooperation, and Geely always adheres to free trade and fair competition, Gan said.

Jochen Goller, member of the board of management of BMW AG, also addressed the conference, sharing insights on low-carbon transition and global cooperation, and expressing optimism about China's NEV market.

"BMW Group strongly believes technology openness is the only sustainable path towards a carbon-neutral future, as we need to cater to the diverse needs of customers worldwide, and to advance individual mobility towards a green future," Goller said in his speech.

BMW firmly believes that cooperation fosters prosperity and growth, he said, adding that to continue the unique automotive success story, key challenges have to be tackled and resolved jointly.

Themed with "Low Carbon Evolution and Global Cooperation," the 2024 WNEVC is taking place in Haikou, capital of South China's Hainan province, running from Sept 27 to 29.