German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that German automakers should not be intimidated by competition from China in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Speaking at the inauguration of Mercedes-Benz’s first battery recycling plant in Kuppenheim, Scholz emphasized that Germany has previously overcome strong competition from South Korea and Japan and can do the same with China.
“Some say that China can do much better with electric motors than us. German companies need not be afraid of this competition,” Scholz said at the event. He also reaffirmed his opposition to European Union tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, noting that such measures should only be used when unfair subsidies or dumping disadvantage European producers, such as in the steel industry. Scholz added, “I’m against tariffs that harm us.”
The European Union has recently imposed tariffs on Chinese EVs, citing state subsidies as the reason, while China denies these claims and has threatened retaliatory measures. German automakers, who rely heavily on the Chinese market, have voiced concerns and called for further discussions.
Mercedes-Benz’s new facility will focus on recycling valuable raw materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt from old EV batteries, contributing to the company’s sustainability efforts in reducing carbon emissions.
