Bloomberg reports EU plan for 350,000-car hybrid import quota

A European plan to restrict hybrid vehicle imports would start with an annual ceiling of 350,000 cars, Bloomberg reported. The measures could take effect as early as December 1.

The agency cited a document outlining the proposed mechanism. The quota would rise by 6% annually from the second year, with the arrangement lasting four years. These figures add detail to earlier reports about reducing imports.

Although Chinese vehicles prompted the initiative, the document would extend the restrictions to imports from all countries. Bloomberg linked that approach to the World Trade Organization's non-discrimination rules.

The report followed Beijing talks between EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic and China's commerce minister Wang Wentao. Bloomberg had not received a European Commission response when it published. The parameters describe a plan, rather than an import quota already in force.