The U.S. government is reportedly planning to impose new restrictions on the use of Chinese and Russian hardware and software in vehicles, citing national security risks. The move aims to protect against potential threats that foreign adversaries could exploit through the advanced technologies used in autonomous driving and connected vehicles.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo described the proposed ban as a “targeted, proactive” measure, stressing the potential risks posed by modern cars, which are increasingly equipped with internet-connected features like cameras, microphones, and GPS tracking systems. According to Raimondo, these features could be manipulated by foreign powers with access to sensitive data, creating serious risks to both national security and the privacy of U.S. citizens.
“It doesn’t take much imagination to understand how a foreign adversary with access to this information could pose a serious risk to our national security,” Raimondo said in a statement.
Although Chinese and Russian software currently play a minimal role in the U.S. automotive supply chain, the proposed restrictions are seen as a preemptive step to safeguard against future risks. If implemented, these bans would prevent Chinese and Russian technology from being used in American cars, trucks, and buses starting with the 2027 model year for software and 2030 for hardware. This timeline allows automakers time to adjust their supply chains.
The proposal is part of a broader strategy by the U.S. government to reduce Chinese influence in critical industries like automotive manufacturing. In recent years, the U.S. has raised tariffs on electric vehicles, batteries, and other products tied to Chinese manufacturing. Additionally, the White House has taken similar measures, including banning the import of Chinese-made cargo cranes over cybersecurity concerns.
John Bozzella, president and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, acknowledged that there is currently very little Chinese or Russian technology in the U.S. automotive industry. However, he cautioned that the proposed rules could require some manufacturers to find new suppliers, which might be a complex and time-consuming process. “You can’t just flip a switch and change the world’s most complex supply chain overnight,” Bozzella said, adding that while some companies may have enough time to adapt, others might struggle with the transition.
In response to the proposed ban, Chinese officials criticized the U.S. for unfairly targeting Chinese firms under the guise of national security. Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, urged the U.S. to respect global market principles and maintain a fair and transparent business environment for foreign companies. “China opposes the U.S.’s broadening of the concept of national security and the discriminatory actions taken against Chinese companies and products,” Jian stated.
The proposal will now enter a public comment period, during which stakeholders and industry representatives can voice their concerns or support for the rule. This measure follows a U.S. investigation launched earlier in 2024 that examined the cybersecurity risks associated with connected cars.
As the U.S. government continues to tighten restrictions on Chinese technology, automakers will face the challenge of restructuring their supply chains to comply with these new regulations. The outcome of the public comment period and further negotiations will determine the final form of the rules, but it is clear that the U.S. is determined to limit foreign influence on its automotive technology for the foreseeable future.