VW confirms that it is maintaining negotiations with the U.S. administration regarding the tariffs announced by President Donald Trump, and that it intends to make further investments in the U.S.
The confirmation was made by VW CEO Oliver Blume to the German newspaper “Sueddeutsche Zeitung”. “So far, we have had absolutely fair and constructive negotiations,” Blume said to the newspaper in an interview published this Friday. “I myself have been in Washington and we have been maintaining regular dialogues since then.”
Blume also confirmed that the negotiations have been conducted with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, adding that he agreed to keep all details of the discussions confidential.
It is worth noting that “Reuters” reported this week that the German brands, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and VW, were in negotiations with Washington regarding a possible import tariff agreement.
When asked how far VW was willing to go in these negotiations with the U.S. administration to reduce the 25% import tax implemented earlier this year, Oliver Blume made it clear that “The VW Group wants to invest more in the U.S. We have a growth strategy.”
The CEO of VW stated that the V Group already employs more than 20,000 people directly and over 55,000 indirectly in the United States, also highlighting an investment of $5.8 billion, about €4.5 billion, made in the American company Rivian.
Blume avoided providing a timeline for reaching an agreement with the U.S. administration on tariffs, after BMW CEO Oliver Zipse moved forward with an agreement between the parties in July. “Of course, I also want it to happen quickly. But it depends on many factors, and I can’t promise anything.”
