BERLIN -- The head of Germany's auto industry association on Friday criticized US President Donald Trump's plan to raise tariffs on European car imports, warning the move would place a "serious burden" on transatlantic relations.

Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), said the additional levies would hit the German and European auto industry hard at a time when it was already under pressure and could also affect consumers in the United States.

Mueller urged Brussels and Washington to de-escalate and hold talks as soon as possible, calling on both sides to abide by their agreed trade rules.

Posing on his Truth Social platform, Trump on Friday threatened to increase tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union to 25 percent starting next week. He justified the move by accusing the bloc of failing to comply with an agreed trade deal.

The European Union has said that it will "keep options open" to protect its interests if the United States takes measures inconsistent with the joint statement between the two sides signed last year on reciprocal, fair, and balanced trade.