U.S. lawmakers introduced the bipartisan Connected Vehicle Security Act to prohibit the importation, manufacturing, and sale of Chinese vehicles. The legislation identifies significant risks to national security and the domestic automotive industry.
Sponsors cite China’s use of state subsidies, slave labor, and currency manipulation as factors creating an unlevel playing field. Industry experts warn that low-priced, high-tech Chinese vehicles pose an existential threat to Detroit-based automakers.
Lawmakers also expressed concern that modern vehicles function as data collection devices. They argue that Chinese vehicles could compromise sensitive information regarding individuals, locations, and national infrastructure. This move signals a major escalation in trade tensions to protect domestic manufacturing.