There is also little doubt that Chinese-built and software-infused vehicles pose a national security threat to America. As U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin has argued, Chinese vehicles on our roadways could operate as a “driving surveillance package” of Americans.
Thankfully there is a growing, bipartisan coalition in Congress that recognizes the threats these vehicles would pose if they were allowed to enter our market. U.S.
Slotkin and U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, have introduced legislation to establish a ban on Chinese vehicles coming to the U.S., a move the Detroit Regional Chamber, the third largest chamber in the nation, and our statewide automotive unit, MichAuto, strongly support.
The strength of China’s auto industry underscores the need for a unified North American trading bloc — empowered by a stronger United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). A unified and cooperative North American trifecta of automotive powerhouses can better compete with China and their unfair trade practices than any one nation alone. It is in America’s best interests, and certainly the auto industry’s best interests, to see an easing of tensions with Michigan’s two largest trade partners, Canada and Mexico.
When it comes to the future of the U.S. automotive industry and its critical contribution to innovation, manufacturing prowess, employment and national security interests, Americans need to rally around the idea that having and supporting a robust and competitive auto and next-generation mobility industry is critical.
Should America take a different road, it would devastate our economy and job base, and put the country at a completely avoidable national security risk.
