Sebastian Lechner, who serves as the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) state chairman in Lower Saxony, is pressing for the European Union to move swiftly to impose import duties on hybrid cars imported from China. A letter seen on Friday set out his request and Lechner reiterated the point later that day.
"It is precisely these hybrids that are currently facing the greatest import pressure from Chinese automakers," Lechner said, emphasizing the sector he believes is most exposed.
Lechner pointed to findings in an OECD study and said that the research indicates roughly 60% of the market share held by Chinese products abroad can be traced to subsidies. He described that reliance on state support as a "distortion of competition" in trade policy and urged authorities to respond.
"We expect the European Commission and the German federal government to adjust our trade policy toward China," Lechner said, framing his call as a demand for coordinated action at both the EU and national levels.
The question carries particular weight in Lower Saxony because of the Wolfsburg-based Volkswagen Group, which is central to the region's automotive industry and local economic interests.
Import duties currently exist for electric vehicles from China, and Lechner said that similar EU tariffs targeting hybrid cars from China should be implemented promptly. He stressed the need for speed in applying such measures.
The appeal from Lechner focuses narrowly on hybrids as the segment he sees under acute import pressure. He grounded his argument in the OECD analysis he referenced and called on EU and German institutions to alter trade measures toward China in response to what he characterized as subsidy-driven competition.
Context limitations: The letter and Lechner's subsequent comments provide the basis for the appeal, and the arguments rely on the OECD finding cited by Lechner. The material here reflects those statements and the positions he expressed.