Bipartisan lawmakers from Michigan introduced legislation on Tuesday to ban Chinese-made connected vehicles from the U.S. market, citing national security and data collection concerns. The 'Connected Vehicle Security Act' would prohibit Chinese software by January 2027 and hardware by January 2030, also applying to Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
Key Developments
The bill, led by Reps. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) and Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), mirrors Senate legislation from Sens. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio). It follows warnings from automakers and suppliers about heavily subsidized Chinese automakers potentially undercutting the U.S. industry. Over 120 House lawmakers previously urged President Trump not to allow Chinese automakers into the U.S., despite his earlier openness to the idea.
National Security Concerns
Supporters argue that Chinese subsidies, currency manipulation, and labor practices create an uneven playing field. Rep. Dingell stated that China aims to 'fight us from within' through connected vehicle technology. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer have affirmed no plans to roll back existing restrictions.
Industry and Policy Context
The legislation comes as automakers and suppliers express concerns about Chinese competition. The bill's timeline allows for gradual implementation, with software restrictions starting in 2027 and hardware in 2030. The proposal reflects broader bipartisan efforts to address perceived threats from Chinese technological advancements in the automotive sector.