China reportedly rejects EU request to curb hybrid car exports

The Financial Times reports that Beijing rejected an EU request for voluntary curbs on Chinese hybrid car exports. The European Commission is considering temporary limits on surging shipments, which the FT says could trigger a serious trade conflict. A post citing Reuters says EU plug-in hybrid imports rose 86% in the year to September; it notes that earlier tariffs on Chinese-built battery-electric vehicles did not cover plug-in hybrids.