Chinese connected vehicles would be barred from sale, import and manufacture in the United States if Congress adopts the permanent measure U.S. automakers are demanding. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents most companies selling cars and trucks in the United States, delivered a formal request to congressional leaders seeking legislation before the current session ends Jan. 3.
John Bozzella, the Alliance’s chief executive, framed the appeal as a response to what he called a global surge of subsidised Chinese models equipped with connected hardware and software. "Right now, Chinese automakers are dumping subsidized vehicles with connected software and hardware around the world," he wrote, and urged lawmakers to make a ban into law before adjourning.
The appeal lands amid bipartisan activity in both chambers of Congress. The Senate Commerce Committee has advanced measures addressing Chinese automotive influence, including language that could bar Mercedes-Benz from the U.S. market because Chinese investors hold nearly 20% of the German automaker. The Alliance includes Mercedes-Benz among its members and emphasised it wants to collaborate with lawmakers to "achieve a balanced policy so all our member companies continue to succeed and thrive inside the U.S."
Automakers pressing for the ban cite competitive pressure from China-based players such as BYD and Geely, which the industry says are expanding exports to Europe and to Central and South America while undercutting prices. The Alliance framed the restriction as both an economic shield and a national security measure, urging the 119th Congress to send a bipartisan signal that the United States will respond to China’s broader industrial strategy.
Timing is central to the campaign. The Alliance asked lawmakers to act before Jan. 3, while acknowledging that the November midterm elections could complicate momentum on Capitol Hill. If Congress does not move before adjournment, the industry will enter the next session with a clear demand but no immediate legislative safeguard.
Whatever legislators decide, the request tightens the debate over how to protect domestic manufacturing and consumer markets while balancing international investment ties. The push raises the question of whether trade and national security concerns will now dictate U.S. auto policy.
