The New York Times test-drove Geely's Galaxy M9 crossover in China, a luxury three-row SUV with heated massaging seats, a 30-inch display, and 660-mile range — priced at $35,000, less than half its U.S. rivals. Geely, founded 28 years ago, now sells nearly as many vehicles globally as 123-year-old Ford Motor Company. Yet U.S. officials want to keep such vehicles out permanently.

Senators Bernie Moreno, Republican of Ohio, and Elissa Slotkin, Democrat of Michigan, sponsored the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026, which would ban internet-connected vehicles from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. The bill prohibits any manufacturer over 15% Chinese-owned from selling in the U.S., bans Chinese software next year and hardware by 2030. Even Mercedes-Benz, with nearly 20% Chinese ownership, would be blocked unless granted a waiver.

Existing 100% tariffs and 2027 Commerce Department restrictions already make imports impractical; Polestar, owned by Geely, will exit the U.S. in 2027. Senators cite economic concerns — massive Chinese subsidies, cheap labor — and security risks: connected vehicles collect vast data on drivers, locations, and conversations. "These are surveillance tools on wheels," said John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. Slotkin, a former C.

I. A. agent, warned of data collection near military bases and infrastructure.