Concerns over China’s threat to the U.S. auto industry continue to mount, with more automakers now sounding the alarm as Chinese automakers work more aggressively to expand their global market base.
The details: Last week, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation—which represents General Motors, Ford, Toyota Motor, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Stellantis, and other major automakers—urged Washington to act on the matter, noting major concerns with China’s growth in the sector, reports Reuters.
The group urged lawmakers to prevent Chinese government-backed automakers and battery manufacturers from opening U.S. manufacturing plants.
It also asked that the Commerce Department maintain its ban on importing information and communications technology and services from China.
The latter effectively prohibits the import of vehicles from Chinese manufacturers to the U.S.—a measure put in place under former President Biden’s administration.
What they’re saying: "No amount of investment by automakers and battery manufacturers operating inside the U.S. can counter a China that is enabled by subsidies to chronically oversupply around the world,” the auto industry group said. “This is a recipe for dumping that Congress and the Trump Administration must prevent from happening inside the U.S."
Why it matters: This push to keep Chinese automakers out of the U.S. could become a centerpiece of future China–U.S. trade negotiations, colliding with growing concerns over vehicle affordability, which the Trump administration has vowed to address, with the president himself praising less expensive, smaller cars.
OUTSMART THE CAR MARKET IN 5 MINUTES A WEEK
Get insights trusted by 55,000+ car dealers. Free, fast, and built for automotive leaders.
Between the lines: Growing concerns with China as a threat to the auto industry come as Chinese companies ramp up their efforts to expand their operations and consumer base in other regions.
Chinese automakers have been steadily expanding their footprint in Europe—aiming to leverage lower pricing and technology compared to European and American brands.
Changan Automobile will now sell two of its fully electric Deepal S05 and S07 SUVs in Italy and Spain, with plans to offer plug-in hybrid models in the second quarter of 2026.
Canada is considering dropping its 100% tariffs on China to offset its dependence on the U.S. amid tensions with the Trump administration, which could open the road for Chinese automakers just north of the U.S.
What they’re saying: "In just five years, China has gone from a minor exporter to the world's largest auto exporter, shipping 6 million vehicles abroad last year at below market prices that U.S. and allied automakers cannot match," said Representative John Moolenaar, a Republican who chairs a select House committee on China (via Reuters). "With massive subsidies, control over raw materials and supply chains and a predatory regulatory regime, Beijing has turned its auto industry into a tool of the state.”
Bottom line: Dealers should watch China-related trade and tariff decisions as closely as they watch interest rates: any opening for Chinese brands in North America could reset price expectations overnight, while continued barriers will keep the focus on competing with established OEMs on product, experience, and value rather than on rock-bottom prices.
A quick word from our partner
Planning growth in 2026?
Join leading dealers and industry executives at the Haig Partners Maximizing Value Conference™ during NADA 2026 in Las Vegas. This year’s theme, What to Buy and How to Grow, delivers timely insights on dealership acquisitions, market conditions, OEM perspectives, and strategies for sustainable growth.
