Chinese parts already power American cars, and that's exactly why Congress is panicking

"Bipartisan US lawmakers introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act to ban Chinese-linked vehicles, software, and hardware from the American market, as Trump meets Xi Jinping in Beijing. But with 60+ Chinese-owned suppliers already embedded in the US auto supply chain and BYD now the world's top EV seller, the push exposes a tension between national security concerns and economic reality."

"Somewhere in the wiring of the car you drove this morning, there is almost certainly a Chinese component. An airbag inflator. A windshield. A steering column bearing. According to global consulting firm AlixPartners, more than 60 US-based auto suppliers are now owned by Chinese companies, making everything from axles to electronic control units for vehicles that roll off assembly lines in Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee."

"It is against this backdrop, Chinese technology already threaded through the American automobile, that lawmakers in both parties are urging President Donald Trump not to trade away the US car market during his state visit to Beijing this week. The message from Capitol Hill has been blunt: do not use automobiles as a bargaining chip with President Xi Jinping."

"On May 12, Representative John Moolenaar, the Republican chairman of the House Select Committee on China, and Democratic Representative Debbie Dingell introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026. The bill would ban the importation, manufacture, and sale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. Software prohibitions would take effect o"

Bipartisan US lawmakers introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act to ban connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran from the American market. The proposal comes amid concerns that Chinese technology is already embedded across the US auto supply chain, including components such as airbag inflators, windshields, and steering column bearings. More than 60 US-based auto suppliers are owned by Chinese companies, supplying parts for vehicles assembled in states including Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee. Lawmakers urged President Trump not to use automobiles as leverage in talks with Xi Jinping, especially after earlier remarks about welcoming Chinese automakers building factories in the US. The bill would also impose software-related prohibitions on a defined timeline.

Read at TNW | Cars