Automotive
The USA has initiated an investigation into the potential national security risks posed by Chinese vehicle imports, citing concerns regarding the combination of “connected” automotive technology. The probe, led by the U.S. Commerce Department, goals to handle worries that these vehicles could collect sensitive data and utilize cameras and sensors to collect detailed details about U.S. infrastructure. President Joe Biden expressed apprehension about the potential for flooding the U.S. market with Chinese vehicles, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding national security interests.
The investigation may also examine the safety implications of autonomous vehicles, considering the potential for distant piloting or disabling. While White House officials stressed that it’s premature to find out specific actions, they highlighted the broad legal authority of the U.S. government to enact measures with significant impact. Biden characterised the trouble as an unprecedented step to stop foreign vehicles, particularly those from China, from compromising national security.
Industry stakeholders, represented by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, urged the Commerce Department to collaborate closely with the auto sector to evaluate any potential actions. They emphasized the importance of targeting transactions that pose real risks while avoiding unintended consequences on advanced vehicle safety technologies.
Despite relatively low numbers of Chinese-made vehicles currently imported into the U.S., Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the necessity for proactive measures to stop potential threats to privacy and national security. Meanwhile, Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers have been specializing in markets outside the U.S., reminiscent of Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
In response to the investigation, Chinese officials haven’t yet provided comment. Cui Dongshu, secretary general of China Passenger Automobile Association, criticized singling out vehicles from a particular country for restrictions on intelligent sensors, calling it unfair. Individually, the Biden administration is contemplating imposing recent tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles and facing pressure to limit Chinese EV imports from Mexico.
Moreover, the U.S. has implemented regulations to cut back reliance on Chinese materials in the electrical vehicle battery supply chain. This move has sparked tensions with China, which dominates the EV battery supply chain and has accused the U.S. of violating international trade rules.
Along with concerns about vehicle technology, the investigation will examine data management practices, echoing previous actions taken against Chinese telecom corporations as a consequence of data security concerns. Biden questioned why connected vehicles from China should operate within the U.S. without adequate safeguards, citing restrictions imposed by China on foreign autos operating inside its borders.
China has recently tightened regulations on data management throughout the country, requiring industries to hunt permission before transferring data abroad. This includes proposed bans on smart vehicles transferring data directly overseas, as an alternative promoting the usage of domestic cloud services.
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This Article First Appeared At www.automotiveaddicts.com
