Bill to Tariff Chinese EVs Introduced in Senate;
Biden Administration Announces New Probes on Auto Tech
On Wednesday, Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced legislation that would increase the tariff on automobiles from China from the current 27.5 percent to 125 percent. The Protecting American Autoworkers from China Act would also seek to apply the 100 percent tariff hike to Chinese vehicles regardless of where they were assembled, making them applicable to vehicles built in Mexico by Chinese-based automakers. In November of last year, a bipartisan group of lawmakers urged the Biden Administration to raise tariffs on Chinese vehicles.
EPA
The auto industry has been urging the Administration to tap the breaks on the EPA’s proposed rule and allow for a more reasonable timeline for EV adoption. There are signs that those pleas are finally being heard and considered. Just this week, 140 Members of Congress sent a letter to President Joe Biden and Office of Management & Budget Director Shalanda Young urging that the proposed tailpipe rule be halted.
Tech
Also this week, the Biden Administration announced two new actions related to connected technology in vehicles. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said that the Department of Commerce will look into vehicles with technology from China, and the risks posed to American consumers’ sensitive information. Commerce will seek comment from the auto industry and the public on the nature of the risks and potential steps to mitigate them. Officials will then develop potential regulations to govern the use of technology in vehicles from China and other “countries of concern.”
In addition, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Jessica Rosenworcel will propose subjecting automakers to a telecommunications law intended to protect victims of domestic abuse, the Safe Connections Act. Rosenworcel said that as technology continually advances, cases of technology-enabled stalking involving cars are increasing. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing automakers, has said that in-vehicle connected services fall “outside of the purview” of the Safe Connections Act.
TAKE ACTION
Late last year, the House of Representatives passed the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act, which would permanently prohibit the EPA from finalizing its proposed emissions rule for model years 2027 and later. Dealers are urged to contact their Senators and ask that the Senate follow suit and pass the CARS Act TODAY.
Government Shutdown
Late last night, following earlier House action, the Senate approved a deal on a short term funding bill that will keep government programs running, sending it to President Biden for his signature. Lawmakers will now have until new deadlines of March 8 and March 22 respectively to reach agreement on two separate tranches of spending legislation.
Quotes of the Week
“Dealers know better than anyone what consumers want, and don’t want, from their next car purchase. We know what’s attainable, and we recognize wishful thinking from D.C. when we see it. In this crucial election year, it is vital that our lawmakers, and candidates, hear from us. I can promise you they will hear from me.”
-Anthony Brownlee, AIADA Chairman (www.aiada.org)
“If Joe Biden wants to support American autoworkers, he should start by protecting them from the existential threat posed by China. We must put American workers first, bring jobs back to American soil, and reject radical climate mandates that make China rich and America poor.”
-Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) (www.hawley.senate.gov)
“It doesn't take a lot of imagination to figure out how a foreign adversary like China with access to this sort of information at scale could pose a serious risk for national security and the privacy of U.S. citizens.”
-Secretary Gina Raimondo, U.S. Department of Commerce (Politico)
ICYMI
In case you missed it, AIADA Chairman Anthony Brownlee is out with his brand new blog, Brownlee Speaks Out.
Friday Feel Good
Here is just one recent example of how dealers are doing good in their communities:
In the past month, Gary Rome Auto Group has secured $129,000 in Hyundai Hope on Wheels donations for organizations in Western Massachusetts. Donations were made to the following organzations: LukeStronger Inc of South Hadley; Each Moment We’re Alive of West Springfield; and Cops for Kids with Cancer’s Boston Marathon Team.
We want to hear more about how you are supporting your local community – tweet us at @AIADA_News and use the hashtag #DealersDoGood.
