WASHINGTON — America’s largest automakers are urging Congress to protect the nation’s proud tradition of free-market capitalism by ensuring Chinese automakers never get the opportunity to participate in it.
General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Honda, Stellantis and others have backed legislation restricting Chinese vehicles, software and hardware from the U.S. market, citing national security, economic security and the alarming possibility that consumers might prefer cheaper products.
Industry officials stressed that the proposal should not be confused with protectionism, which is what other countries do when they prevent American companies from competing.
“This is about preserving competition,” said one auto executive, “specifically by reducing the number of competitors.”
The industry has warned that Chinese manufacturers benefit from enormous state support, aggressive pricing and supply-chain advantages that could make it difficult for domestic automakers to maintain market share using the traditional American strategy of larger vehicles, higher prices and seven-year financing.
Analysts say the legislation could give Detroit valuable time to become more competitive without the distraction of competing.
Congress is now considering the proposal, which would preserve the free market in its safest possible form: one in which customers remain free to choose among the companies already here.
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