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WASHINGTON – Volkswagen AG last Friday called itself an “unintended victim” in a battle between two battery suppliers and asked the U.S. government to extend an extension to buy batteries essential for its planned production of electric vehicles in the U.S.
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) on Wednesday supported LG Chem in a trade secret case, but allowed SK Innovation to import components for the domestic production of lithium-ion batteries for the EV F-150 program. Ford Motor Co for four years and Volkswagen of America’s electric vehicle line for two years.
VW said on Friday that it will request that its division be “extended for at least four years to give an adequate transition period. Ultimately, however, we expect the two suppliers to resolve this dispute out of court. “
| Ticker | Safety | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 automaker invested $ 800 million to build electric vehicles in Tennessee and hired hundreds of employees. “Volkswagen will take all necessary measures to enable us to fulfill our commitment to provide skilled jobs for proud Tennessee workers,” said the automaker.
On Thursday, Ford Chief Executive Jim Farley publicly encouraged LG Chem and SK Innovation to reach an agreement. VW and Ford previously warned that the dispute could disrupt the supply of major EV parts and cost jobs in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp on Friday asked President Joe Biden to overturn the ITC decision, warning that the long-term prospects for the $ 2.6 billion SK Innovation battery factory in Jackson County, Georgia , would be “significantly impaired”. The factory will eventually build batteries for Volkswagen and Ford.
Quality check at 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 attorney Dave Callahan said the company “remains committed to negotiating a fair deal for the theft of its trade secrets” and said the Georgia plant will be able to operate.
“The only obstacle to solving this issue and guaranteeing the long-term future of the plant is the refusal (by SK Innovation) to acknowledge its mistake and make peace,” he added.