America wants to ban Chinese software in cars
Strict rules
The ban would apply to cars that can drive (partially) autonomously.
Under the plans, manufacturers must prove that there is no Chinese software in their vehicles.
The fear is that Chinese software could pass information to the Chinese government, something Washington wants to prevent at all costs.
Even the testing of these cars on U.S. soil will be subject to strict regulations.
Next Step
The move is part of a broader strategy by the U.S. government to limit China’s influence in the auto industry.
There is already a 100 percent import tax on Chinese electric cars, and President Joe Biden has introduced a bill to make it more difficult to use Chinese batteries in cars.
Europe
In Europe, Chinese technology to make cars drive autonomously will be given free rein for now.
So does American technology, for that matter.
In early August, Ford’s BlueCruise technology for hands-free driving was approved by the European Commission.
The approval means that drivers of a Ford with BlueCruise can now drive without hands on the wheel on more than 135,000 kilometers of highways, known as Blue Zones, across 18 European countries.
Unlike other cars with this type of driving assistance system, a Ford with BlueCruise does not require you to keep your hands on the wheel on the highway.
The technology is now available in the Netherlands.