Auto lobby asks US Congress for permanent ban on Chinese cars

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation is asking the US Congress to pass legislation permanently banning Chinese cars, Motor1 reports. The group, which represents automakers and component suppliers, wants restrictions in the US market to remain in place indefinitely.

Chinese electric vehicles currently face a 100% tariff in the US. Motor1 separately reports that sales of Chinese cars in the country are effectively blocked over security and data protection concerns.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation works on behalf of its member companies to secure changes to federal measures and the introduction of new ones. The group is led by CEO John Bozzella.

According to Reuters, as reported by Motor1, the group cites national security risks and what it calls unfair conduct by China as reasons for its initiative. The automotive lobby is using these arguments to make the case for a permanent ban.

Motor1 reports that John Bozzella points to rising sales of Chinese cars in Europe as an example of what could happen in the US. According to an estimate cited by the publication, European buyers have purchased well over 1 million such vehicles since the start of 2026. The publication names General Motors, Volkswagen and Toyota among the automakers that do not want Chinese brands to expand their presence in the US market in the same way.

For American buyers, the issue also involves vehicle affordability. The publication notes that cheaper Chinese cars could attract buyers, while their low production costs make them a greater threat to automakers operating in the US. Some consumers, however, are concerned about build quality and data privacy, although the number willing to consider buying a Chinese car is growing.