Ford Motor requested authorization from the U.S. Commerce Department to sell vehicles containing Chinese-made components. These components fall under new connected-car regulations designed to mitigate national security risks from foreign data collection.
The automaker specifically requested a license for the China-built Lincoln Nautilus SUV. While U.S. teams develop the vehicle's software, workers install it in China, triggering the new restrictions.
Software prohibitions take effect for model year 2027 vehicles. Stricter hardware restrictions follow for model year 2030.
The licensing process highlights the deep integration between the U.S. auto industry and Chinese supply chains. These rules force automakers to prepare for a significant decoupling of hardware manufacturing from China.