The United States’ strict ban on Chinese EVs and auto parts may get even stricter, and some automakers are getting caught in the crosshairs.<\/p>\n
According to Automotive News<\/strong>, the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026<\/a> is currently before Congress. A recent amendment claims China is a danger to the domestic automotive industry and prohibits manufacturers controlled by the country from selling, delivering, or importing vehicles into the United States directly.<\/p>\n This could impact Mercedes-Benz, as Beijing-based BAIC Group holds a 9.98% stake in the brand, and Li Shufu, founder of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, holds 9.69% stake. This is a total of 19.67% of Mercedes-Benz held by Chinese brands. As a result, Mercedes-Benz could be banned from selling vehicles in the United States if Congress approves the bill.<\/p>\n Mercedes-Benz has acknowledged the issues surrounding the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act. A spokesperson told Automotive News that the brand is in “close talks” with legislators and policymakers about the bill. At this time, Mercedes believes a solution will be reached “that protects \u2014 and does not damage \u2014 U.S. manufacturing.”<\/p>\n Mercedes-Benz is in a tricky spot. The Chinese ownership thing aligns with the proposed ban, though it has a plant in Alabama that could help it skirt the act since there are exceptions for automakers with U.S.-based manufacturing. However, this means that Lotus and Polestar, both owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, could face similar issues. Car and Driver<\/strong> noted that Volvo got around the issue by obtaining authorization to import vehicles despite its ties to China. This could be what gave Mercedes hope.<\/p>\n It wouldn’t be shocking if the act went through. Lawmakers have been pushing for more restriction<\/a>s on Chinese vehicles in the United States for a while now, especially as President Donald Trump continues to appear wishy-washy on the situation.<\/p>\n Domestic automakers have expressed fear at allowing China’s cheap EVs into the country since they can’t keep up with the pricing or production speeds. However, policymakers continue to hide behind security concerns as their reason for keeping Chinese vehicles out of the country. Some have claimed Chinese EVs will use cameras to gather not just driver information but also capture images of nearby military bases as they drive around.<\/p>\n That clearly sounds insane, especially since domestic brands are already spying on us<\/a>. But it makes sense that nobody can make a consistent and common-sense reason to bar Chinese EVs. Even the domestic automakers’ “fears” are undermined by Ford’s obsession<\/a> with collaborating with Chinese carmakers and technology companies.<\/p>\n It seems silly to create all these issues for various automakers just to keep up this anti-China rhetoric. The United States continues to fall behind the rest of the world in the automotive industry, especially when it comes to EVs, and tougher restrictions against China aren’t helping.<\/p>\n Look, I’m not on China’s side or something. If the United States lawmakers could tell me a real reason why Chinese EVs shouldn’t be here, I’ll listen. Until then, hearing these ongoing paranoid rants from lawmakers about Chinese EVs circling our military bases has me feeling a bit embarrassed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The United States’ strict ban on Chinese EVs and auto parts may get even stricter, and some automakers are getting … <\/p>\nMercedes-Benz isn’t concerned yet<\/h2>\n