BERLIN, Oct 14 (Reuters) - The European Union wants a

level playing field with China on car tariffs and is negotiating

with Beijing on mechanisms such as price commitments or

investments in Europe as a solution, European Commission chief

Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday.

Speaking alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin,

she said negotiations with China would continue even if the EU's

tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles entered into force. Scholz

expressed hope of reaching an agreement by the end of October.

"What could be the compensation that is offered instead of

countervailing duties, for example? And there is the question of

price commitments that are on the table, investments in Europe,"

von der Leyen said. "These are all questions that are on the

table, as always in negotiations. Everything has only been

negotiated when the last piece has been negotiated."

The two leaders met in Berlin as the EU prepares to impose

hefty import tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, measures

that Germany and its car industry oppose, fearing retaliatory

measures in the vast Chinese market.

They were speaking on the same day as Chinese and European

automakers went head-to-head at the Paris car show, where

Chinese EV giant BYD warned the EU's planned tariffs

would only lead to higher prices and deter buyers.

Earlier this month, EU member states narrowly backed import

duties on Chinese-made EVs of up to 45%, meant to counter what

the European Commission says are unfair subsidies from Beijing

to Chinese manufacturers. Beijing denies unfair competition and

has threatened counter-measures.