The European Union’s recent decision to implement tariffs on electric vehicles made in China is not anticipated to lead to immediate price changes for the affected vehicles, according to various automakers.
In a statement released before the EU member states’ vote, the French division of SAIC’s MG Motor indicated that the outcome of the vote would not affect the prices of its electric vehicles in France for the current year.
In the vote, 10 EU member states supported the tariffs, five opposed them, and there were 12 abstentions, EU sources reported. MG Motor France criticized the tariffs as “excessive,” asserting they could hinder Europe’s green transition.
A source familiar with the situation mentioned that MG Motor would also keep prices stable in Italy for the time being, as the company evaluates potential strategies to maximize sales in that market. Pricing decisions are made on a monthly basis, the source added.
Seat, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, labeled the EU tariffs as “punitive” and warned that the future of its China-manufactured Cupra Tavascan electric vehicle could be “at risk.” Despite voting against the tariff scheme, Germany’s stance has not influenced Seat’s pricing strategy; the company committed to ensuring that the prices of the Tavascan will remain unchanged for all deliveries in 2024.
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is also expected to maintain its pricing in Italy through the end of this year, according to a source who spoke to Reuters.
