Canada's auto industry is calling on the federal government to follow the U.S. lead and ban Chinese software and hardware used in connected vehicles on North American roads. The move, motivated by national security concerns, could result in a ban on key components, potentially excluding Chinese vehicles from the North American market.
Earlier this week, on September 23, the U.S. Department of Commerce proposed measures to restrict the use of these technologies, citing the risks of data collection on drivers and US infrastructure, as well as the possible manipulation of connected vehicles. This comes after the White House launched an investigation into the matter in February.Chrystia Freeland, Canada's Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, said this week that the country is “absolutely” considering a similar ban.
The Canadian and American automotive industries remain united in the face of a growing threat from connected vehicle technologies from China and Russia. As the U.S. moves towards bans, Canada could soon follow suit.