Volkswagen Denies Calling for EU Tariffs on Chinese Hybrids, Says Rate Should Not Exceed BEV Level

Volkswagen Group issued a statement denying that it called for the European Union to impose tariffs on Chinese hybrid vehicles. During a first-half 2026 earnings call, Oliver Blume, chairman of the management board, commented on free and fair trade without explicitly calling for tariffs. Instead, he advocated for a comprehensive consideration of various potential options to ensure a fair competitive environment between Europe and other global regions, including supporting Chinese original equipment manufacturers in localizing production in Europe. He also emphasized that if the EU ultimately decides to impose relevant tariffs, to maintain a healthy trade relationship with China, the tariff rate should not exceed the current level already imposed on battery electric vehicles.