The Case of the Hybrid Loophole

The case file: at least $23 billion from Beijing to its carmakers between 2009 and 2023, more than 200 electric-car makers, a price war, then Europe. The Ledger explains the loophole: when Europe taxed electric cars, the hybrids shipped instead, perfectly legally. Nightjar's deduction: even Germany's car lobby wants tariffs now. Wren: reports that Volkswagen would close four German plants will do that.

Germany's carmakers, long the strongest opponents of tariffs on China, now back them: Beijing put at least $23 billion into its car industry from 2009 to 2023, more than 200 electric-vehicle makers appeared, a price war pushed them into Europe, and when the EU taxed electric cars China shipped hybrids instead; after reports that Volkswagen would close four German plants, the German auto association said it supported tariffs.

Starring

Inspector HaleWrenThe LedgerNightjar