Bernie Moreno Negotiates Mercedes-Benz Exemption for Chinese Vehicle Bill
Senator Bernie Moreno is negotiating exemptions for Mercedes-Benz to prevent the automaker from being banned under a proposed bill targeting Chinese vehicle ownership.
Senate Republican Bernie Moreno is leading discussions to ensure Mercedes-Benz is not banned from the United States market under a proposed Chinese vehicle bill. The legislation, which the Senate Commerce Committee approved in July, prohibits the sale of vehicles from companies with more than 15 percent ownership by Chinese entities.
Because Mercedes-Benz has nearly 20 percent passive ownership from Chinese entities, the company would be subject to the ban without specific exemptions. Moreno stated that the government does not intend to ban the German automaker, noting, "What we're not going to do, obviously, is ban Mercedes-Benz vehicles in America."
Moreno is currently evaluating whether Mercedes-Benz can reduce its Chinese ownership below the 15 percent threshold without debilitating its operations. He is seeking fast-track approval for the bill before the Senate adjourns in November.
