This undated file photo provided by Hyundai Motor Group shows the Niro EV of Kia Corp. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 21 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s industry ministry held talks with business officials on Thursday to explore ways to address France’s subsidy policy for electric vehicles (EVs), which excluded models with high carbon emissions in the entire process including shipping.
The discussion came after the list of EVs eligible to win subsidies in France released last week did not include the Niro EV of Kia Corp., which is manufactured in South Korea.
“The government and carmakers intend to promptly initiate complaint procedures as soon as France officially launches the process in January so that the Niro EV can have its carbon emission get reassessed,” Deputy Minister for Trade Yang Byeong-nae said.
In 2022, Kia sold 4,000 units of the Niro EV in France, accounting for around 1.8 percent of South Korea’s total EV exports, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
During the meeting, carmakers said they are also reviewing plans to produce new EV models in Europe beyond 2025 to win the subsidy.
South Korea plans to continue talks with Paris, including vice minister-level talks scheduled for next month, the industry ministry added.
The only South Korean EV model to be included in the list was Hyundai Motor Co.’s Kona SUV, manufactured in Europe. The French government provides subsidies ranging from 5,000 euros (US$5,490) to 7,000 euros for EV purchases.
(Yonhap)
