requirements.The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee has approved legislation to strengthen the ban on Chinese automakers entering the American market.
The proposed bill could also affect Mercedes-Benz, as lawmakers say the company’s Chinese investment stake exceeds the limit set in the legislation.
Committee Chairman Senator Ted Cruz said companies with more than 15 percent Chinese ownership could face restrictions. However, Senator Bernie Moreno said Mercedes-Benz would have until 2030 to meet the requirements and could apply for waivers if necessary.
The bipartisan bill, introduced by Senator Moreno and Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin, would make permanent an existing rule that effectively blocks Chinese passenger vehicles from being sold in the United States.
The legislation also covers technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular connectivity, and certain satellite communication systems, citing national security concerns over the collection of sensitive user data.
Meanwhile, Volvo Cars, the sister brand of Polestar, says it has received authorization to continue operating in the U.S., although it must still comply with the new security requirements.
