U.S., E.U. Continue Work on Minerals Pact, Chinese EVs
Following a meeting of the U.S. – E.U. Trade & Technology Council, officials had no major announcements, which could be a sign that momentum is slowing as expected in advance of the 2024 elections. The TTC has been in existence for nearly three years, and the next meeting in early April is likely going to be the last until after both the European elections in June and U.S. elections in November. The Europeans have been urging the Biden Administration to find a compromise solution on a critical minerals agreement that would allow European companies to take advantage of the clean vehicle credit. The partners also continued discussions on Chinese EVs and how to address concerns that Chinese government subsidies are allowing Chinese EVs to rapidly overtake market share in Europe. The U.S. has a 27.5 percent duty on all Chinese automobiles but some members of Congress have called for additional tariffs on Chinese EVs, which US Trade Representative Katherine Tai has indicated that President Biden is considering.
EV Voice of the Customer
This week, following the sending of a second letter signed by thousands of dealers to President Joe Biden, the group “EV Voice of the Customer” released a new video and urged dealers to share it with their employees, friends and family.
TAKE ACTION
The EPA’s proposed rule, which would effectively require two thirds of new vehicles sold in the U.S. be all-electric by 2032, is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. Late last year, the House of Representatives passed the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act, which would permanently prohibit the EPA from finalizing the rule. Dealers are urged to contact their Senators and ask that the Senate follow suit and pass the CARS Act TODAY.
Quotes of the Week
‘Obviously, top line, we're all talking about electrification. We're all talking about consumer choice and how that needs to be front and center. The consumer needs to have a say. It can't come from Washington. Consumers need to have choice, and we're going to fight to make sure that is heard.”
-Anthony Brownlee, 2024 Chairman, AIADA (Automotive News)
“It's very clear that China is expanding its electrical vehicles production very rapidly, is becoming a very important player and probably is going to become a dominant player in this area. So we need to see what our policy response to this is.”
-Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice Presdent, European Commission (Politico)
"Electric vehicles are exciting. They're definitely overall a good impact for our customers and for the environment, but it's moving too fast. It should be driven by consumer demand, and consumer demand isn't there yet."
- Michael Lucki, General Manager, Riverhead Mazda (Automotive News)
Friday Feel Good
Here is just one recent example of how dealers are doing good in their communities:
In celebration of 50 years in business, the Jeff Wyler Automotive Family is giving away fifty $1,000 donations to local animal shelters and rescue organizations.
We want to hear more about how you are supporting your local community – tweet us at @AIADA_News and use the hashtag #DealersDoGood.
