Mercedes faces US sales ban risk under Senate China bill

Mercedes-Benz faces the possibility of a US sales ban under a new Senate bill targeting Chinese-connected vehicles. The legislation, which is set for a vote in a Senate committee, would prohibit the sale or operation of cars with certain Chinese technology or ownership ties in the United States. This would affect Mercedes and other automakers that have partnerships with Chinese companies or use Chinese-made components, potentially blocking their access to the American market. The bill matters because it could reshape the US auto industry by severing supply chains and forcing automakers to choose between China and the US. The Financial Times reports that the Senate panel will vote on the bill, which would ban vehicles with Chinese-connected software or hardware. Mercedes is lobbying to soften the bill, arguing it would disrupt its US operations. The legislation follows earlier efforts to restrict Chinese-made cars, and if passed, it could lead to a permanent ban on Chinese-connected vehicles in the US, affecting sales and existing cars on the road.