ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – United States (US) President Joe Biden said that cars from China in the US could pose a national security risk because their advanced technology could spy on US people.
Launching Carscoops Friday, March 1 2024, Biden announced that he had given instructions to the US secretary of commerce to begin an investigation into vehicles equipped with connections originating from China.
“China is determined to dominate the future of the automotive market, including by using unfair practices,” said Biden.
He added connected vehicles from China could collect sensitive data about US citizens and US infrastructure and send this data back to China.
“These vehicles can be accessed remotely or disabled. Why should connected vehicles from China be allowed to operate in our country without protection,” said Biden.
Restrictions on Chinese products by the US are often carried out due to concerns about national security. Previously, the US banned Chinese telecommunications companies from entering the market due to concerns regarding data usage.
The US has currently restricted electric vehicles with Chinese-made batteries from being eligible for green vehicle tax credits.
The country also imposes steep tariffs on vehicles from China, although it is considering modifying those tariffs to target Chinese vehicles assembled in Mexico, North America.
Chinese Electric Cars Begin to Dominate Europe
So far, China is starting to dominate the profitable electric car market in Europe. Despite taxes, China has the ability to set very low prices, which makes it profitable. For example, BYD’s electric car is currently ahead of Tesla.
“Demand is increasing. “Our Google searches have surpassed Tesla,” said Managing Director of BYD Europe, Michael Shu, as reported by Auto Pro, Friday, March 1 2024.
On the other hand, European Union carmakers are trying to increase competition by introducing new models at more affordable prices. Renault, for example, is launching a series of models it hopes will help it compete with Asian rivals, including the Renault 5 and Dacia Spring.
The fight to dominate the low-cost electric vehicle market segment is critical. European automakers are trying to meet these challenges, but they feel they lack government support.
De Meo, chairman of the European car manufacturers association, said Europe’s industrial strategy needed to be improved.
Although the EU’s investigation into car imports from China may have an impact, European carmakers admit that China still has advantages in terms of technology, prices and supply chains.
In a Bloomberg report, it was stated that electric vehicles made in China are still more popular because of their advanced technology and high availability. This causes users to choose cars made in China because of their good quality and functionality, even at lower prices. (ATN)
Check out other news and articles at Google News and WA Channel