Auto industry pleads against new tariffs

WASHINGTON - The US auto industry pleaded on Thursday with the government to reject tariffs on vehicle imports, which they said could cripple domestic manufacturing and cause job losses.

The pleas came as the European Union said it hoped to defuse the trade dispute next week in Washington, but was preparing to retaliate should those efforts fail.

Citing national security concerns, the US government in May called for an investigation into auto imports which could lead to tariffs of up to 25 percent on foreign vehicles and parts.