US Senate committee approves bill targeting connected cars with Chinese ownership; Mercedes could face ban (heise.de)

• Senate committee advances bill banning connected cars with >15% Chinese ownership
• Mercedes-Benz faces risk due to combined ~20% Chinese stakes
• Mercedes highlights no single shareholder above 10%, US jobs and investments
• Senator Cruz questions 15% threshold as potentially targeting Mercedes
• Exemptions possible; bill sponsor Moreno owns Mercedes dealership

"A US Senate committee has approved a bill that would ban import, production, and sale of connected vehicles from manufacturers with more than 15% Chinese ownership. Mercedes-Benz could be affected as Chinese investors hold about 20% combined (BAIC ~10%, Li Shufu ~10%). The bill also impacts Ford and GM. Mercedes argues no single shareholder exceeds 10% and highlights its US investments. Senator Ted Cruz questioned the threshold, suggesting it might be designed to harm Mercedes. Exemptions are possible via the Commerce Department."