Car manufacturers: Change of course: German auto industry advocates for further China tariffs
The powerful car lobby has long been seen as a brake on new China tariffs. Now, VDA chief Müller calls them a legitimate means. The Handelsblatt has obtained an internal paper exclusively.
Brussels, Düsseldorf, Beijing - The powerful voice of Germany's largest industry, the Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA), has shifted its stance on further China tariffs. With over 600 individual companies under its wing, including manufacturers like Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, as well as suppliers such as Bosch, ZF, and Continental, the VDA has traditionally advocated for open markets, dialogue, and cooperation.
However, the group has become increasingly skeptical of trade barriers. In August, the VDA cautiously hinted that it was considering "adjustments" to its China policy. Now, VDA President Hildegard Müller has made it clear that the new direction is firmly in place. An internal paper outlining the new automotive industry stance on China is also circulating among industry insiders.
Exclusively provided to the Handelsblatt, Müller's statement and the paper reveal the VDA's revised position.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
