A Mercedes-Benz emblem is displayed on a used automobile on the market at a dealership on November 11, 2025 in San Diego, CA.
Kevin Carter | Getty Photographs Information | Getty Photographs
The Senate Commerce Committee superior bipartisan laws Wednesday aimed toward toughing a ban on Chinese language automakers from the U.S. market, at the same time as Chairman Ted Cruz, R-Texas, warned that it may unintentionally bar Mercedes-Benz from promoting autos within the nation.
Cruz stated through the committee’s markup of the Motor Car Modernization Act of 2026 that the invoice’s 15% Chinese language possession threshold would cowl Mercedes-Benz as a result of two Chinese language traders collectively personal almost 20% of its shares.
“We might by no means think about” banning Mercedes-Benz, Cruz stated, including that the invoice would must be modified earlier than changing into legislation.
Mercedes-Benz’s two largest particular person shareholders are Chinese language state-owned automaker BAIC, previously the Beijing Automotive Industrial Corp., with a 9.98% stake, and Geely founder Li Shufu, with 9.69%.
The invoice would codify federal restrictions meant to maintain Chinese language-linked automobile expertise out of the U.S. over nationwide safety issues that related automobiles may acquire delicate information.
“We’re stopping an absolute, whole, and full destruction of our industrial base,” stated Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, who launched the invoice with Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich.
Mercedes-Benz beforehand declined to touch upon the laws however stated it employs greater than 10,000 folks within the U.S. and operates meeting crops in Alabama and South Carolina.
Moreno stated through the markup that Mercedes-Benz would have till 2030 to adjust to the possession restrict and will search a waiver.
Through the markup, Cruz additionally accused Normal Motors of supporting the availability in an effort to weaken Mercedes-Benz and make Cadillac extra aggressive.
“GM is pushing for this provision to get Mercedes-Benz out of the market,” Cruz stated.
GM and Mercedes-Benz didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark. GM is the top-selling automaker within the U.S.