Models stand next to a latest EV car from Chinese automaker BYD showcased at the Auto China 2026, in Beijing, Saturday, April 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

LANSING – On Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement applauding bipartisan efforts in Congress to ban the importation, manufacture, and sale of Chinese vehicles and any software or vehicles connected to China.

“Our auto industry employes half a million Michiganders in good-paying jobs and is vital to our national economy.

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done to bring manufacturing back home from overseas, but all of that is at risk if we let cheap, government-subsidized Chinese vehicles into our country. Right now, that’s exactly what’s happening in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. Companies that can’t compete with vehicles subsidized by China are selling fewer cars, closing factories, and cutting jobs.

“However, this isn’t just about economics. It’s a national security problem, too. The software in these vehicles can use data gathering to supply China with countless pieces of information about Americans.

“Action is needed to protect our storied auto industry and the millions of workers who depend on it. The only way we succeed is by working together. I’ll keep working with anyone to bring supply chains back home, create good-paying auto jobs in Michigan, and protect our communities.”

Background Fighting for the Auto Industry

Since day one of her administration, Governor Whitmer has worked hard to invest in Michigan’s auto industry, secure good-paying jobs for Michiganders building cars, components, and batteries, and bring supply chains home from overseas.

– Created the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification to coordinate mobility-related initiatives and implement the ‘MI Future Mobility Plan,’ a statewide mobility strategy.

– Secured tens of thousands of good-paying auto jobs in communities across Michigan.

– Launched the EV Jobs Academy, Mobility Talent Action Team, Battery Job Training Program, and MI EV Scholars Program to upskill Michigan’s workforce.

– Launched new office to help Michigan workers take advantage of high-tech, high-paying jobs in automotive and clean energy sectors.

– Established battery and advanced manufacturing challenge offering matching grants to secure transformative projects and federal investments.

– Secured more than $100 million through Charge Up Michigan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to build Michigan’s electric vehicle charging network.