The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a US automotive trade association, has called on congressional leaders to enact a permanent ban on Chinese connected vehicles, software, and hardware before the 119th Congress concludes. The letter, addressed to House and Senate leadership from both parties, frames the proposal explicitly as a national security measure.

The Alliance is seeking a ban covering the sale, import, and manufacture of Chinese connected vehicles, hardware, and software—scope that extends beyond vehicle imports alone. John Bozzella, the Alliance’s President and Chief Executive, frames the proposal as a national security response to China’s global automotive strategy, urging Congress to act before adjourning.

In the letter, Bozzella wrote: “Right now, Chinese automakers are dumping subsidized vehicles with connected software and hardware around the world. China is capturing market share in Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, Mexico and South America with vehicles capable of collecting, processing and transmitting sensitive vehicle and consumer data to the Chinese Communist Party.”

The letter was addressed to House Speaker Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Thune, House Minority Leader Jeffries, and Senate Minority Leader Schumer, spanning both chambers and both parties. The Alliance said none of the described Chinese vehicles has yet entered the US market, but argues the global pace of deployment makes pre-emptive legislation necessary.

Source: Alliance for Automotive Innovation