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 Sept 28 at 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 the 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 at the congress on Sept 28, adding that if imposing additional tariffs, the EU will not only hamper China's economic development but also harm its interests.

The automobile sector thrives on international collaboration, and Geely is committed to upholding the principles of free trade and fair competition, according to Gan.

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 is steadfast in its conviction that collaboration is the cornerstone of prosperity and growth, he asserted, noting that it is essential to confront and jointly address critical challenges to sustain the distinctive narrative of automotive success.

Themed "Low Carbon Evolution and Global Cooperation," the 2024 WNEVC is being held in Haikou, capital city of South China’s Hainan province, from Sept 27 through 29.

Source: Xinhua