Mercedes-Benz could face a ban in the United States under a proposed Senate bill that would prohibit the import, production, and sale of vehicles made by automakers with significant Chinese ownership.
According to Bild, the legislation is being considered by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The proposal would bar companies with more than a 15% Chinese ownership stake from selling vehicles in the U.S.
Mercedes-Benz could exceed that threshold because Chinese state-owned automaker BAIC and Chinese businessman Li Shufu each own nearly 10% of the company’s shares, according to legislative sources.
The bill focuses on vehicles equipped with connected technologies, such as GPS and mobile data systems, amid concerns raised by Republican lawmakers that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. The proposal could also affect Volkswagen and BMW because of their ties to Chinese suppliers.
Mercedes-Benz said no individual shareholder owns more than 10% of the company and that its largest investors have no direct representation on its supervisory board or influence over day-to-day operations. The automaker also highlighted its economic footprint in the United States, noting that about 160,000 jobs are tied to its operations in Alabama and South Carolina.
