US report on car imports: EU auto makers express grave concern

19 February 2019
by ACEA -- last modified 19 February 2019

Following the submission to the White House of the US Commerce Department's report on the section 232 national security investigation into motor vehicle and auto part imports, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) reiterates its concerns about any potential new tariffs.

ACEA cautions that the application of additional duties on imports of passenger cars and parts would not only severely affect the EU industry, but also the US economy and consumers alike. It would mean that all automobile manufacturers in the United States, whether domestic or international, would face a significant increase in costs.

This cost increase would have to be mitigated by lowering margins, reducing production costs or passing additional purchase and repair costs on to consumers. Such measures would make American automobile manufacturing less competitive and hit US consumers in their pockets. In other words, the imposition of tariffs would have a counter-productive effect on the US economy.

"Imports of cars and auto parts from the EU clearly do not pose a national security risk to the United States," stated ACEA Secretary General, Erik Jonnaert. "Any trade restrictive measures in our sector will have a serious negative impact, not only on EU manufacturers but also on US manufacturers."

European auto makers produce close to one million vehicles in the United States per year, of which roughly 60% are exported. All in all, EU manufacturers directly and indirectly employ more than 470,000 Americans, which means that European auto makers are major investors in the US economy.

ACEA represents the 15 major Europe-based car, van, truck and bus manufacturers: BMW Group, CNH Industrial, DAF Trucks, Daimler, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford of Europe, Honda Motor Europe, Hyundai Motor Europe, Jaguar Land Rover, PSA Group, Renault Group, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen Group, Volvo Cars, and Volvo Group.

European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA)