Volvo Cars wins US approval to keep importing vehicles with 'connected car' technology
US Approval and Regulatory Background
(Corrects identifier RIC for Geely Holding in lead paragraph.)
By David Shepardson and Marie Mannes
Volvo's Approval to Continue US Sales
WASHINGTON, May 26 (Reuters) - Volvo Cars, majority owned by China's Geely Holding, said on Tuesday it received approval from the U.S. government allowing it to continue selling vehicles.
US Crackdown on Chinese Vehicle Technology
In January 2025, President Joe Biden's administration finalized rules effectively barring nearly all Chinese cars and trucks from the U.S. market, as part of a crackdown on vehicle software and hardware from China.
The rules included a ban on most Chinese-developed and maintained software that took effect in March 2026 for the 2027 model year and covered companies with significant Chinese ownership. Lawmakers have proposed making the rules even tougher.
Volvo's Compliance and Authorization
"Given our ownership Volvo Car USA was required to follow a process with the U.S. Department of Commerce to obtain a specific authorization for the continued import and sale of connected cars in the U.S.," the company said. "With this specific authorization, Volvo Cars can continue its growth plans in the United States."
Sales Performance and Market Impact
Volvo Cars sold 121,600 vehicles in the United States in 2025, down 2.9% from 2024.
The Commerce Department did not respond to a request for comment.
Volvo's US Manufacturing and Future Plans
New Hybrid Model for the US Market
In September, Volvo Cars said it would begin producing a new hybrid model in the U.S. by the end of the decade.
The new model will be designed for the U.S. market and help Volvo boost capacity utilization at its South Carolina plant.
Expansion of US Production
In April 2025, Volvo Cars CEO Hakan Samuelsson said the company would produce more vehicles in the U.S., and the group announced in July that it plans to start producing its popular XC60 mid-size SUV in South Carolina in late 2026.
Volvo's EV Strategy and Import Changes
Volvo, long positioned as an EV trailblazer with the aim of phasing out all non-electric models by 2030, last year reversed course and said hybrids would remain part of its lineup.
Volvo Cars currently imports all of its cars into the U.S. from Europe except its electric SUV EX90, which it assembles in South Carolina. The Swedish automaker used to also import cars from China but it halted those after tariffs on Chinese-made cars were put into effect.
Government Discussions and Industry Response
Commerce Department Authorization
Volvo said the Commerce Department gave the company a specific authorization following constructive discussions with government agencies "regarding Volvo Cars' governance, technology and data security."
Polestar's Position
Sweden's Polestar, which is also majority-owned by Geely, separately said on Tuesday it continues "to work with U.S. authorities to meet the requirements of the announced regulations."
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Rishabh Jaiswal in Bengaluru and Kanjyik Ghosh in Barcelona; Editing by Shreya Biswas, David Gregorio and Bill Berkrot)
