Mercedes-Benz may face sales restrictions in the US market. This is because the US Senate Commerce Committee has approved a bill that would impose new restrictions on automakers in which Chinese companies have a large stake.
According to the bill, automakers whose shares are more than 15% owned by Chinese companies may be restricted from selling in the US. Mercedes-Benz could also fall under this criterion, since Chinese investors control about 20% of the company's shares.
Mercedes' largest Chinese shareholders are Geely founder Li Shufu (Eric Li Shufu) and Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC). Li Shufu owns 9.7% of the company through an investment structure, while BAIC owns 9.98%.
Ted Cruz, chairman of the US Senate Commerce Committee, said that the bill could be subject to changes before it is finally adopted. Senator Bernie Moreno noted that Mercedes-Benz will be given until 2030 to adapt to the new requirements. He said the company may also be able to get around the restrictions by obtaining certain exemptions.
A similar situation has previously occurred with Geely's Polestar brand. It was announced that the company's cars will be banned from selling in the US from 2027. Volvo, on the other hand, has been allowed to continue operating in the US market by complying with additional requirements.
