The ongoing feud between the Department of Transportation and Ford Motor Co. about the automaker’s involvement with Chinese battery makers seems like, well, a pissing contest to distract consumers from high car prices, high gas prices, and other issues.
That said, there are legitimate concerns about China gaining access to, well, America. However, if the U.S. is the free market economy many — not all — claim to be, then the doors should be open, right? Also, if you’ve seen any video of the sampling of Chinese vehicles that have been allowed on a display-only basis, you can see, they are pretty cool, pretty advanced, and the worst part of all: pretty cheap.
But in an era of affordability, letting China in — while forcing them to meet U.S. safety standards — might make cars, trucks, and crossovers more affordable. So we ask, is it time to lower the gates and let China in? And if yes, is it unfettered access or in phases, a la Canada?
[Images: Xiaomi, BYD]
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