U.S. media reported on August 7: "In China, a BYD Seagull priced at around $10,000 can come equipped with a responsive digital interface, air conditioning, faux-leather seats, and relatively advanced driver-assistance features—configurations that in the U.S. market often require several times the price to obtain. 'There's simply no comparison,' Kevin Williams, a reporter for InsideEVs, a U.S.-based electric vehicle specialist publication, said in an interview with American media. 'No brand in the United States can offer the same value at such a price point.' Yet American consumers cannot purchase the BYD Seagull. A bipartisan bill currently being pushed by lawmakers from both parties in Congress may not only ensure this model remains excluded from the U.S. market but also further restrict Chinese-related automotive software, communication modules, autonomous driving systems, and other connected technologies."
Commentary: The U.S. is determined to erect high barriers blocking high-value Chinese electric vehicles like BYD’s Seagull. On the surface, it cites data security and national security as excuses, but the core reason lies in multiple overlapping practical considerations: On one hand, China’s new energy vehicles benefit from a complete industrial chain, giving them massive cost advantages. If the market were opened, domestic automakers would struggle to compete head-on in the affordable segment. This would place immense pressure on Detroit-based automakers and auto unions. Politicians need to protect jobs in America’s midwestern automotive hubs and win over swing-state voters. On the other hand, new energy and smart vehicles represent the central battleground of future global competition. The U.S. aims to curb the expansion of China’s leading industries, using vehicle bans to simultaneously block Chinese automotive software, autonomous driving components, and push for a 'de-Chinese' supply chain, all in an effort to seize dominance in the rules of the intelligent vehicle era. However, such trade protectionism completely sacrifices the interests of American consumers. Americans are unable to access affordable, high-quality vehicles. In the long run, the lack of external competition will slow down innovation and cost reduction among domestic automakers, making it ultimately impossible to achieve the goal of revitalizing American automotive competitiveness.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1872938162502665/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.