US industry groups push to keep Chinese cars out

Major US automotive industry associations have called on the government to prevent Chinese carmakers from entering the American market. In a letter addressed to the administration, they warned of China’s efforts to dominate global automotive manufacturing and gain access to the US market.

According to the organisations, this would pose a threat to US competitiveness, national security and the domestic automotive industry.

Five organisations representing carmakers, dealers and parts suppliers are urging the government to maintain the Commerce Department’s 2025 cybersecurity rules, which effectively block most Chinese vehicles from entering the United States.

At the same time, they called on the government to reject attempts by Chinese manufacturers to circumvent the restrictions by establishing production facilities directly in the United States.

The Chinese embassy in Washington rejected the criticism, saying Chinese cars are successful worldwide thanks to technological innovation and quality.

(Reuters, luc)