<Anchor>



The U.S. government's opinion gathering on the detailed regulations for electric vehicle subsidies in the United States, which is unfavorable to the sales of electric vehicles by Korean automakers, ends tomorrow (5th).



The Korean government and industry are refining their opinions until the last minute to resolve the discrimination in the provision of subsidies only for North American products.



<Reporter>



One day before the deadline for collecting opinions from the US government, the Korean government and industry are reviewing the final draft to resolve discrimination in electric vehicle subsidies.



First, regarding the assembly requirement to subsidize only North American electric vehicles, it seems that companies that are investing in the United States will submit a deferred opinion.



In the case of Hyundai Motor Company, a three-year delay until 2025, when the Georgia plant is completed, is likely.



Although North American conditions are stipulated in the law, there is no precedent for the Ministry of Finance's flexible interpretation of the provisions of the law.



In addition, it is expected to propose a proposal to include not only North American products but also electric vehicles assembled in countries that have signed FTAs ​​with the United States to be subsidized.



[Tae-yong Cho/Ambassador to the US (28th of last month): (Electric vehicle subsidy negotiations) It is not easy to make progress, but we will consult with the US to resolve the concerns of the Korean people and businesses.



] As US Treasury Secretary Yellen said, it is not easy to suspend the North American condition in reality.



For this reason, we are looking forward to expanding the application range of commercial electric vehicles that do not have assembly areas or battery conditions.



It is a plan to classify electric vehicles for lease as well as electric vehicles for personal use under the corporate name as commercial electric vehicles.



The government and industry also plan to request easing of conditions for battery requirements, including restrictions on minerals from China.



In addition to submitting opinions, the government also started preparing for dispute resolution, such as selecting a law firm in case the Inflation Reduction Act leads to a trade dispute between countries.