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WASHINGTON – Volkswagen AG called itself an “unintentional victim” in a dispute between two battery suppliers late Friday and called on the US government to postpone the postponement of the purchase of batteries for the planned US production of electric vehicles. .
The US International Trade Commission (ITC) joined LG Chem in a trade secret case on Wednesday, but allowed SK Innovation to import components for the domestic production of lithium-ion batteries for Ford Motor Co.’s EV F-150 for four years. program, and for Volkswagen of America’s electric vehicle line for two years.
VW said on Friday that it would request that its cut be extended to at least four years to provide a sufficient transition period. Ultimately, however, it is our hope that the two suppliers will resolve this dispute outside the courtroom. ”
| Ticker | Safety | Last | Alter | Alter% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VWAGY | VOLKSWAGEN AG | 22.04 | -0.06 | -0.27% |
| F | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 11.45 | 0.00 | 0.00% |
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The German carmaker has invested $ 800 million to build electric vehicles in Tennessee and employ hundreds of workers. “Volkswagen will take all necessary steps to enable us to fulfill our commitment to provide skilled work to proud Tennessee workers,” the automaker said.
Ford CEO Jim Farley publicly urged LG Chem and SK Innovation to reach a settlement on Thursday. VW and Ford had earlier warned that the dispute could disrupt the supplies of key EV parts and cost US jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Friday called on President Joe Biden to reverse the ITC ruling, warning that the long-term prospects for the $ 2.6 billion SK Innovation Battery plant in Jackson County, Georgia , “will be significantly harmed.” The plant will eventually build batteries for Volkswagen and Ford.
Quality control in the paint shop at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant. (Credit: Volkswagen)
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The White House and SK Innovation declined to comment.
LG Energy Solution’s lawyer, Dave Callahan, said the company was “still committed to negotiating a fair settlement for the theft of its trade secrets” and said the plant in Georgia would be able to operate.
“The only obstacle to resolving this issue and securing the long-term future of the plant is (SK Innovation)’s refusal to acknowledge and rectify the misconduct,” he added.