No Chinese Cars Act

No Chinese Cars Act would amend the Trade Act of 1974 to broaden and clarify the Trade Representative’s authority under Section 301 to take actions against foreign countries with respect to motor vehicles produced by firms from those countries. The bill specifically allows actions against “any other foreign country” (beyond existing targets) including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, for motor cars and other passenger vehicles produced by firms described in the statute. It also tightens and expands how “motor cars and other motor vehicles” are defined (to cover hybrids and electric vehicles, as well as vehicles needing only minor finishing work). The bill introduces procedural safeguards—requiring consultation and an opportunity for public input before any modification or termination of existing 301 actions—and permits adding new actions under 301 if they would maintain or enhance effectiveness. The amendments take effect upon enactment and apply to actions taken under 301 before, on, or after that date. In plain terms, the bill would make it easier to target foreign automakers and certain foreign car practices in trade actions, broaden the scope to more kinds of vehicles, and add steps to involve domestic stakeholders before changing those actions.