Dingell Statement on Commerce Proposed Rulemaking on Connected Vehicles

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) released the following statement on the Department of Commerce's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would prohibit the sale or import of connected vehicles integrating specific pieces of hardware and software, or those components sold separately, with a sufficient nexus to the People's Republic of China or Russia.

"As our vehicles become smarter, safer, and increasingly connected, it's important we're taking action to mitigate security risks, especially when this technology is coming from countries of concern, like China and Russia. An investigation by the Department of Commerce concluded that technology from these adversarial countries poses a real risk both to consumers and to American infrastructure. For example, we know that Chinese automakers are deploying autonomous vehicles in the U.S. for surveillance and data collection, meanwhile banning American vehicles from their own streets. Today's NPRM is an important step to combat the real threat this poses. We must maintain our leadership at the forefront of the global auto industry in a way that protects Americans' privacy and safety and strengthens our national security."

The proposed rule focuses on hardware and software integrated into the Vehicle Connectivity System (VCS) and software integrated into the Automated Driving System (ADS). These are the critical systems that, through specific hardware and software, allow for external connectivity and autonomous driving capabilities in connected vehicles. Malicious access to these systems could allow adversaries to access and collect our most sensitive data and remotely manipulate cars on American roads. The proposed rule would apply to all wheeled on-road vehicles such as cars, trucks, and buses, but would exclude vehicles not used on public roads like agricultural or mining vehicles.

The rule would also prohibit manufacturers with a nexus to the PRC or Russia from selling connected vehicles that incorporate VCS hardware or software or ADS software in the United States, even if the vehicle was made in the United States.

The prohibitions on software would take effect for Model Year 2027 and the prohibitions on hardware would take effect for Model Year 2030, or January 1, 2029 for units without a model year.