Are Chinese Cars Coming To The US Or Not?

Issue #215

Happy Tuesday!

Today, we’re exploring how the US could have Chinese cars produced domestically, and what the possible implications are.

Or, you can continue to read by scrolling down.

Market News

• Volkswagen has set a new hypermiling record with its aptly-named XL1 Hypermiler, nearly doubling production-vehicle performance. Here’s more. 

• What happens when driverless cars break the law? This article explores how there are two worlds, human and driverless, and the latter is still unclear. 

• Cars are once again over $50,000 so, here’s why you should wait a little longer to buy a new car. 

• Volkswagen’s 2027 lineup can pull over if their drivers stop responding to driver aids. Here’s more. 

• The 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX (what is it with these long names?) is a serious contender for the fastest truck out there. But is it practical? It’s a close call.

Safety and Recalls

• Ford recalls more than 223,000 F-150s because the fuel tank may detach. Here’s more.

• Jeep recalls 202,000 SUVs because their tire pressure monitoring system might not work.

Car Culture

• Did you know that there is a V-10 powered Mustang from factory? Here’s more on the origins of this fascinating car. 

• Jeep’s latest special edition Wrangler evokes the Willys MB light transport, but at an additional $115 over the already-expensive Rubicon package ($4,995), do you think it’s worth it? 

• You never associate Mitsubishi with V8s, but their engine was the world’s first direct-injected V8 which ended up in a Hyundai.

• GM built a fascinantingly smart hybrid system back in the 1960s, but then forgot about it. Here’s how the mini-powerplant car worked. 

• Ford’s new patent implies that you can push the car by yourself, making it ideal for these uses.

Video Of The Week

My Old Car is a great YouTube channel that dives deep into the weird history of cars that you didn’t know. This week, the channel is explaining the chaotic and concerning reason the Ford Pinto was still produced, despite the warnings!

In The Know

Are Chinese Cars Coming To The US Or Not?

For the past few years, the discussion of whether Chinese cars would ever reach American roads has ended in an absolute “no.” When the previous administration left office, it set rules to effectively ban all Chinese cars and trucks. You can read more about it here.

When the current administration took office, it seemed that it would not change this idea, but the pressure kept increasing. So much so that lawmakers urged President Trump not to lift the ban.  After all, as this article explains, back in 2025 the United States was (and still is) the last frontier for Chinese cars.

No other region in the World has rejected their presence. The United States did it for good reason. It still has all the necessary components to be a major competitor in the world’s automotive supplies. 

Plus, Chinese technology could pose a national security risk, given how complex vehicles are now. You can read our article on how much data your car produces here.

Such data in the wrong hands is definitely a security hazard.

The problem with banning Chinese cars is that it isn’t easy. As this article highlights, the Detroit Three (and others) can demand that Chinese cars be banned, but they still use components from that country.

It’s not a small number. 60 US-based suppliers are owned by Chinese companies, and they also hold stakes in 500 other enterprises.  

Transitioning from this to American production wouldn’t be easy. Even cars and SUVs built in North America rely strongly on Canadian parts, with the Kia EV6 being one of the most American cars built. You can check out the list here.

Still, in the face of China’s relentless pace, American automakers pushed back. The warning has been clear all along: ban all Chinese cars or the American automotive industry would suffer.

So, the world was shocked when President Trump announced that, perhaps, he wouldn’t ban Chinese at all. Instead, he’d welcome the factories.

Articles flooded the internet with every headline available, but what really happened?

For context, Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Washington, D.C., on September 24. So, in light of this visit, automotive media started pressuring the White House for answers. Would they ban Chinese cars?

As you can read here, President Trump was clear on one thing: he would oppose all finished Chinese-built cars imported from China. He also said he would ban Chinese cars assembled in Mexico.

However (and it’s a big however), he would accept Chinese automakers opening plants in the US if they hire American workers.

Now, this is not new. Companies such as Toyota and Honda did the same in the 80s. European companies have done so, including Volkswagen and BMW.

As expected, the comments were clearly in opposition, but why?

This article highlights one problem: China could dump thousands of subsidized vehicles into the US. However, if done right, manufacturing conditions could require that vehicles assembled in the US meet certain standards.

Even so, as this article reports, China is so relentless that continents such as Europe are struggling to match its pace. Could the same happen in the US?

I don’t think so, as brand identity is strong, but then again, the most American car right now is a Kia. What do you think?