Ford and Multiple Automakers Rush to Seek US Commerce Department Approval to Continue Selling Long-Available Models in the US

According to reports, Ford Motor Company and several other automakers are competing to apply for permits from the U.S. Department of Commerce in order to continue selling multiple models that have been on the market for many years.In January 2025, the relevant regulations were implemented in the United States by the Biden administration on national security grounds and remained in effect after the Trump administration took office. These regulations restrict connected vehicles from being equipped with Chinese software. The software ban applies starting with 2027 model-year vehicles, while the hardware restrictions apply to 2030 model-year vehicles.Ford has submitted a relevant application, hoping to be approved for the continuous import of the Lincoln Nautilus SUV assembled in China, with an expected import of the 2027 model in January next year.Volvo stated in May that it had obtained the relevant licenses, General Motors has required its suppliers to eliminate all Chinese-made components from their supply chains by 2027, and the U.S. Department of Commerce will not publicly disclose applications for or the approval results of the relevant licenses.