The Commerce Department is moving forward with plans to tighten regulations on Chinese software and hardware in connected U.S. vehicles, citing national security concerns. President Biden ordered an investigation earlier this year into the risks posed by Chinese vehicle imports, with a particular focus on connected-car technology. The proposed prohibitions would impact vehicles starting in the 2027 model year, including those with bluetooth, satellite, and wireless features, as well as highly autonomous vehicles.
The move has sparked concerns from major automakers, who warn that changing hardware and software could be a lengthy process. However, the White House has signed off on the final proposal, which aims to secure the supply chain for connected vehicles in the U.S. While the new rules would not apply to agriculture or mining vehicles, they would impact all other vehicles on U.S. roads. President Biden emphasized the importance of safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure, noting the increasing connectivity of modern vehicles. The Commerce Department is expected to open a 30-day public comment period before finalizing the regulations. With the proposed restrictions extending to other foreign adversaries, the U.S. is taking decisive action to protect its automotive industry from potential security threats.
Source link