Auto groups urge Trump to keep out Chinese vehicles ahead of Xi visit

U.S. auto industry trade groups are urging President Donald Trump to block Chinese automakers from selling or building vehicles in the United States, ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Sept. 24 White House visit. In a Sept. 17 letter, the groups argue Chinese brands currently have zero U.S. market share and that allowing domestic facilities would shift jobs away from companies already making “generational investments” in the country. They also warn it could erode the value of about 17,000 U.S. auto dealerships. The push comes after Trump indicated he’d be open to a Chinese plant, while Reuters and Bloomberg reported potential inclusion of firms like BYD, CATL, and Gotion in Xi’s delegation.