tech
February 7, 2026
Can China’s No. 2 automaker make it in America?
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TL;DR
- US regulations taking effect in March 2025 will ban software and hardware from 'countries of concern' for autonomous driving, connectivity, and telematics in vehicles.
- These rules are intended to prevent adversarial countries from controlling vehicles remotely, gathering sensitive data, or mapping US infrastructure.
- Geely, a major Chinese automaker, aims to sell cars in the US, with its Volvo Cars division operating an assembly plant in South Carolina.
- Volvo Cars' US presence may provide a foothold, as it is perceived as a European brand, but it must still comply with the software and hardware regulations.
- Compliance hinges on proving that software was not developed by or is not controlled by a Chinese entity.
- Experts have mixed views on the extent of the risk posed by Chinese automotive technology, with some suggesting other data collection methods are more concerning.
- The departure of the policy's architect from the Commerce Department has raised questions, but current administration statements suggest the rules will remain.
- Companies must self-certify compliance, but the Commerce Department can review and test vehicles.
- Waymo's use of a Zeekr RT platform for its robotaxi has drawn scrutiny from US senators regarding compliance.
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