WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Commerce announced an inquiry into the potential development of regulations to safeguard American consumers and companies against the national security threats posed by allowing Chinese vehicles and technologies in the United States:

“I welcome this important step to protect American consumers and companies from the serious threats that Chinese vehicles pose to our national security and our domestic manufacturing sector. Allowing these vehicles into the U.S. could expose Americans to Chinese-controlled technologies that can transmit or store their personal data, or even remotely manipulate vehicles. We must address this threat head on while promoting American automotive innovation and manufacturing which support good-paying American jobs, as well as the continued development of advanced vehicle technology that will help improve roadway safety and save thousands of lives. The bottom line is there’s no place in the U.S. for vehicles made by Chinese Communist Party backed companies. I look forward to continue working with the Administration to protect our national security and strengthen domestic manufacturing.”  

Peters has consistently worked to support American innovation in the development of connected vehicles and other critical roadway safety technologies. Last year, Peters – who Chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight and Ports – called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to accelerate the approval of Cellular Vehicle to Everything (C-V2X) technology waivers in order to jumpstart the deployment of this lifesaving mobility safety technology and ensure the U.S. does not fall behind other countries in its development and adoption. Following this bipartisan call from Peters, the FCC approved the deployment of C-V2X technology – which is an intelligent transportation system (ITS) technology that enables data sharing between vehicles, the infrastructure they operate on, and nearby road users – improving roadway safety and efficiency. In 2022, Peters welcomed the U.S. Department of Commerce’s $52.2 million investment in the Global Epicenter of Mobility to drive and advance mobility innovation across Michigan’s automotive sector. Peters secured this funding through the American Rescue Plan he helped enact. 

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