Chinese Cars Become Common at US-Mexico Border, US Tightens Defenses

Chinese automakers have been expanding rapidly in Mexico recently, and through cross-border movement, they are appearing within the United States. In border cities like El Paso, Texas, vehicles from Chinese brands such as Geely and BYD are frequently seen. Such sights were not common in the past. The Wall Street Journal reported that in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, about 8 kilometers from the US border, these Chinese car brands are highly visible. A Geely salesperson told the WSJ that a customer bought two cars at once, intending for his two daughters to drive them to university in El Paso. Some owners who previously drove American brands like Ford and Chevrolet are gradually turning to these Chinese cars, which boast low prices and high equipment levels. The average price of a new car in the US has reached $50,000, while a Geely car starts at around $17,000. Ronnie Lowenfield, CEO of Casa Auto Group, said, 'This is a warning sign for domestic US automakers.' The US auto market sold over 16 million new cars last year, but Detroit's big three automakers largely abandoned the affordable car market years ago, relying heavily on expensive, high-margin SUVs and pickup trucks. While President Trump did not announce the opening of the US market to Chinese cars during his visit to China in mid-May, concerns among US politicians and the auto industry have not been resolved. The US House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the 'Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026' last week, which would prohibit automakers with equity held directly or indirectly by 'foreign adversary governments' from importing, selling, or manufacturing vehicles for sale in the US.