No To Chinese, Says NADA
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) is the latest major industry body to advocate for keeping Chinese automakers out of the U.S. market. According to a report from Automotive News, NADA leadership has expressed strong support for policies designed to prevent Chinese OEMs from entering the country. The group’s position centers on concerns over unfair competitive practices, state-backed industrial advantages, and potential national security risks tied to connected vehicle technology.
The push comes as the U.S. continues to enforce strict trade measures aimed at limiting Chinese automotive imports, particularly in the electric vehicle space. Lawmakers and lobby groups have argued that China’s heavily subsidized auto sector could distort market competition if allowed broad access. NADA’s backing adds the influential dealer body to a growing list of stakeholders urging policymakers to maintain, or even strengthen, barriers against Chinese automakers.
Chinese Brands Are Closing In on North America
Even with high U.S. tariffs in place, Chinese automakers are steadily expanding their footprint across North America. Mexico has emerged as a critical entry point, with several Chinese brands establishing sales operations and production partnerships there, effectively positioning themselves at the U.S. border. Canada, meanwhile, recently eased tariffs on Chinese EVs while implementing a cap system, signaling a more measured but open approach compared to the U.S.
Beyond geographic expansion, corporate ambitions and consumer sentiment are shifting. Geely has confirmed plans to eventually enter the U.S. market, ending years of speculation. Recent surveys suggest that American buyers are gradually warming to the idea of owning affordable, high-tech Chinese vehicles, even if they currently have limited access to them. Globally, China is poised to become the world’s top vehicle-selling nation, reinforcing the scale and competitive momentum of its automotive sector.
Geely
Industry Leaders Warn of an Existential Threat
Concerns about Chinese competition extend well beyond dealer groups. Ford’s CEO has warned that Chinese automakers could put Western manufacturers “out of business” if they gain meaningful access to the U.S. market. Other industry leaders have characterized China’s rapid EV development and cost advantages as an existential threat to domestic production, citing aggressive pricing, battery dominance, and vertically integrated supply chains.
NADA CEO Mike Stanton made the organization’s position unmistakably clear at the Haig Partners Maximizing Value Conference. “I will tell you that as an organization, 95 percent of our board, I work for a board of 65 dealers, 95 percent of them agree that the NADA should continue to support the administration’s policies to keep the Chinese OEMs out of this country,” Stanton said. “It’s bad for our industry, it’s bad for our country, it’s bad for consumers.” While NADA is not instructing dealers to reject potential Chinese franchises outright, it has committed to supporting policies aimed at keeping those vehicles out of the U.S. market.
As Chinese automakers expand globally and refine their technology and pricing strategies, the debate in Washington is likely to intensify. The outcome will shape not only trade policy, but also the competitive structure of the U.S. automotive industry in an era defined by electrification, connectivity, and globalized supply chains.
