Mercedes-Benz Faces 2030 Deadline Under New U.S. Ownership Rules

S. market cleared the Senate Commerce Committee this week, but automakers may have until 2030 to comply. The legislation tightens existing restrictions on Chinese-owned vehicle sales, effectively barring any company with more than 15% passive Chinese ownership from selling passenger cars in America.

Mercedes, which has a 20% stake held by Chinese investors, would be caught in the net.

Senator Ted Cruz, the Texas Republican who chairs the committee, acknowledged the bill needs changes before becoming law. Ohio Republican Bernie Moreno, a former Mercedes dealership owner and co-sponsor of the bill, suggested the German automaker could receive waivers and until 2030 to meet the new ownership threshold.

S. light-duty market. Moreno framed it as protecting America's industrial base, though critics question whether lawmakers fully considered the impact on Mercedes.

S. in 2025 and employs thousands. The company says it supports national security legislation but wants to ensure its operations aren't disrupted. Meanwhile, Cruz accused General Motors of pushing the 15% provision to benefit Cadillac, though GM denies targeting any specific automaker.

The bill also includes a requirement for other manufacturers to buy more expensive batteries from GM, adding roughly $5,000 per vehicle. As the debate continues, Mercedes faces a tight timeline to restructure its ownership or secure exemptions before the 2030 deadline.