Chinese Carmakers Test Canadian Waters as Stepping Stone to U.S. Market

Chinese automakers are quietly setting up shop in Canada, using it as a proving ground before attempting a push into the United States. Despite stiff political headwinds and security concerns in Washington, brands like BYD and Chery are moving ahead with plans to establish dealership networks north of the border.

S. currently charges. While imports are capped at 24,500 EVs per year, that’s enough for BYD to aim for 20 dealerships in its first year, starting in the Greater Toronto Area before expanding to Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver. Lotus, owned by Geely, is also planning roughly six Canadian dealerships this year.

S. remains off-limits for now due to the Connected Vehicle Security Act, which blocks Chinese-made EVs over data privacy and national security concerns. But President Donald Trump has signaled openness to Chinese companies building factories in America and hiring local workers. S.

in regulations and consumer tastes, making a future pivot to the south relatively simple. S.