WASHINGTON — Volkswagen referred to as itself an “unintended sufferer” in a battle between two battery suppliers and urged the U.S. authorities to increase a reprieve to purchase batteries key to its deliberate U.S. electrical automobile manufacturing.

The U.S. Worldwide Commerce Fee (ITC) on Wednesday sided with LG Chem in a commerce secrets and techniques case, however permitted SK Innovation to import parts for home manufacturing of lithium ion batteries for Ford’s EV F-150 program for 4 years, and for Volkswagen of America’s electrical automobile line for 2 years.

VW mentioned Friday it’s going to request its carve out be “prolonged to no less than 4 years to provide an sufficient transition interval. In the end, nevertheless, it’s our hope the 2 suppliers will settle this dispute outdoors of the courtroom.”

VW has invested $800 million to construct electric vehicles in Chattanooga,Tennesseeand is hiring a whole lot of staff. The corporate plans to begin production of the ID4 battery-powered crossover on the manufacturing unit in 2022.

“Volkswagen will take all mandatory steps to permit us to meet our dedication to supply expert jobs to proud Tennessee employees,” the automaker mentioned.

On Thursday, Ford CEO Jim Farley publicly inspired LG Chem and SK Innovation to succeed in a settlement. VW and Ford beforehand warned the dispute might disrupt provides of the important thing EV components and price U.S. jobs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp on Friday referred to as on President Joe Biden to overturn the ITC ruling, warning the long-term prospects for the $2.6 billion SK Innovation battery plant in Jackson County, Georgia, can be “harmed considerably.” The plant will finally construct batteries for Volkswagen and Ford.

The White Home and SK Innovation declined remark.

LG Vitality Resolution counsel Dave Callahan mentioned the corporate “stays dedicated to negotiating a good settlement for the theft of its commerce secrets and techniques” and mentioned the Georgia plant will be capable of function.

“The one impediment to resolving this matter and securing the plant’s long-term future is (SK Innovation’s) refusal to acknowledge its wrongdoing and make amends,” he added.