Politics, Tariffs And Automotive Technology Intersect As Midterms Loom

As midterm elections near, automakers are weighing how election outcomes could affect U.S. transportation policy, including China-made vehicles. Jennifer Thomas, senior vice president of corporate affairs at American Honda Motor Co., said Honda’s “best-case scenario” is preventing Chinese-made cars from entering the U.S. market. To that end, Honda is actively backing the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026, which would ban Chinese vehicles, software, and data systems; the bill passed the House but stalled in the Senate due to an ownership provision involving Mercedes. Automakers are also navigating tariffs and ongoing USMCA renegotiations. Thomas noted Honda continues to offer North American-built vehicles priced under $30,000 ahead of whatever party controls Congress. She argued demand for lower-cost vehicles makes broad restrictions difficult, while Canada has allowed up to 49,000 Chinese vehicles annually under rules adopted March 1 with some tariffs. The article says Honda supports Senate Bill co-sponsored by Elissa Slotkin and Bernie Moreno.