DRIVERS may soon see certain cars disappear from US roadways thanks to a new rule.
The outgoing Biden administration is banning vehicles containing Chinese- and Russian-owned software and hardware over national security fears.
Under the new rule – which was finalized on Tuesday – automakers with close ties to China or Russia will be prohibited from selling new vehicles in the US.
The move follows months of review by the Commerce Department, which found Chinese- and Russian-based technology posed a massive security risk to the US.
“Cars today aren’t just steel on wheels, they’re computers,” said US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
“Modern vehicles are equipped with cameras, microphones, GPS tracking, and internet connectivity, making them vulnerable to misuse.
“This is a targeted approach to ensure we keep PRC- and Russian-manufactured technologies off American roads,” she added.
The new rule applies to passenger vehicles weighing under 10,001 pounds.
The software-related ban kicks in for Model Year 2027.
Hardware restrictions will follow with Model Year 2030 vehicles.
A separate ruling is expected to impact trucks and other vehicles.
But it’ll come at a cost for automakers.
Cars made in the US will be prohibited if they have any sort of significant tie to China or Russia.
That means Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD could be impacted.
BYD currently manufactures buses and other vehicles out of a California plant.
National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard warned that Chinese vehicles could expose Americans to risks of sensitive data misuse.
“China is trying to dominate the future of the auto industry,” Brainard said.
The decision shows rising concern about keeping Americans secure as vehicles become more connected and reliant on technology.
This is a targeted approach to ensure we keep PRC- and Russian-manufactured technologies off American roads.
Gina Raimondo
The new rule comes just months after Ford’s CEO revealed he drives a Chinese car.
On an episode of the Fully Charged Podcast, Jim Farley revealed that he’s been driving the Xiaomi SU7.
Made by Chinese tech giant Xiaomi, the EV was praised by Farley.
“I don’t like talking about the competition so much, but I drive the Xiaomi,” Farley told British actor Robert Llewellyn on the show.
“We flew one from Shanghai to Chicago, and I’ve been driving it for six months now and I don’t want to give it up.”
