posted in Technology
Americans Can’t Buy Chinese EVs. Waymo Is Importing Thousands
www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2026/08/02/americans-cant-buy-chinese-evs-waymo-is-importing-thousands/
ForbesAmericans Can’t Buy Chinese EVs. Waymo Is Importing ThousandsThe U.S. has used tariffs and security rules to keep Chinese cars off dealer lots. Alphabet’s robotaxi company appears to be buying them by the boatload.
Article is paywalled but the reason Google can get away with it is because they’re getting them shipped without any connectivity.
Replying to @artyom@piefed.social
So Chinese automakers cannot import because they rather stay out of market than turn off connectivity?
Seems that way.
Replying to @majster@lemmy.zip
Ahhhh im only guessing but i dont think any business owner is turning down a 300 million person market. I think id guess its the chinese govt that doesnt allow them to ship to consumers without connectivity.
Replying to @majster@lemmy.zip
That’s the bullshit the US government wants you to believe. They need an excuse to force you to keep buying shitty trucks.
Yes they wrote it into law to deceive you!
Replying to @artyom@piefed.social
Self driving cars
Shipped without connectivity
Weird
Also, can I buy a new car without telemetry? I guess I know the answer to that already.
Replying to @blargh513@sh.itjust.works
Obviously Google install their own connectivity.
It has connectivity, its just added by Waymo after it arrives on shore.
Replying to @artyom@piefed.social
Why don’t Chinese manufacturers do the same? Sell cars without connectivity, make updates or whatever available on a website.
Great question.
Replying to @benny@reddthat.com
Why would China want you to have a car that doesn’t send data back?
I mean neither would any other manufacturer, but with China you just know the government probably requires all that surveillance tech be added. Like voice control microphones on the OUTSIDE of some new Chinese cars. Why else would you have that?