Electric cars destined for the American market are being sent here because they are not eligible for subsidies from the Biden administration that mandates “Made in USA.”
• Also read: Quebecers do not order electric cars
“Many extremely popular models are no longer eligible for funding in the USA,” observes Martin Archambault, electrical specialist and producer of the “Silence on Roulette” podcast.
“Kia and Hyundai models, which are very popular in Quebec and no longer eligible for subsidies because they are not made in the USA, are becoming increasingly difficult to sell alongside a Chevrolet Bolt or a Tesla Made in the USA, for example,” he says.
As a result, these vehicles will be sent to Canada, Martin Archambault continues.
In the Journal, he draws a parallel with Doug Ford’s inauguration as Ontario’s prime minister. When he abolished his subsidy, the cars ended up in Quebec.
The United States is stepping up
In Longueuil, Solène Besnard, deputy director of Motion Nissan, agrees.
“We had a lot of demand for the Leaf. When the United States didn’t want them, we were able to get them back last year. It helped a lot,” she explains.
“We had to wait 12 to 18 months before we could clear our list. We’re still two weeks to three months away. Not only is it thanks to American cars, but it helped,” she continues.
“It is rare, but not impossible, for vehicles assigned to one market to be redirected by the manufacturer to another market,” said Sam Yue Chi, CEO of the Corporation des Concessionaires d’Automobiles du Québec (CCAQ).
But for Daniel Breton, CEO of Electric Mobility Canada, we have to put the magnitude of the phenomenon into perspective because we are nowhere near being able to speak of “dumping”.
“There is no dumping in Quebec. Yes, the fact that certain vehicles are not eligible for rebates may play a role, but the reality is that sales are increasing in the United States as well as Canada,” he concludes.
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