BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 3. A group representing major global automakers has urged the US Congress to pass legislation before the end of the year that would prevent Chinese vehicles and related technologies from entering the American market.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, whose members include General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Honda and Stellantis, called for swift congressional action.
Alliance CEO John Bozzella said in a letter to Congress that Chinese manufacturers were selling subsidised vehicles equipped with connected software and hardware in markets around the world.
Bozzella said this trend had not yet taken hold inside the United States but argued that the scale and urgency of the potential threat required Congress to act before it adjourns for the year.
The industry group is seeking legislation that would restrict Chinese vehicles as well as automotive software and hardware, framing the issue as one involving US national security and the future competitiveness of the domestic automotive industry.
In July, the Senate Commerce Committee approved legislation aimed at strengthening existing government restrictions on Chinese automakers entering the US market. The proposal, however, still faces legislative hurdles before it can become law.
Bozzella said passage of the bill would send a bipartisan signal that Washington intends to respond to China’s efforts to expand its position in global automotive manufacturing with national security measures.
The Alliance has also previously called for legislation explicitly preventing the Commerce Department from granting specific authorisations that would allow Chinese automakers such as BYD, Chery and SAIC Motor to manufacture, sell or import connected vehicles in the United States.
The Chinese Embassy has opposed US efforts to restrict Chinese vehicle exports to the American market.
