Volkswagen CEO urges EU to levy higher tariffs on Chinese plug‑in hybrids

Volkswagen Group chief executive Oliver Blume called on the European Union to introduce an additional 35% duty on plug‑in hybrid vehicles imported from China, on top of the existing 10% tariff. He said the current tariff regime protects electric cars but leaves plug‑in hybrids at a disadvantage, allowing Chinese brands to capture a growing share of the European market.

Data cited by Blume show that Chinese manufacturers accounted for roughly 28% of EU plug‑in hybrid sales in the first half of the year, amounting to about 208,000 vehicles and pushing Volkswagen’s Tiguan model down to fourth place. Overall Chinese sales in Europe have risen sharply, with a 101% increase in the first six months, bringing the market share of Chinese brands to around 9.5% across all vehicle categories.

Blume also promoted the EU’s "Made in Europe" industrial policy, urging stronger support for local components and supply chains to counter the surge of Chinese imports.