Loading...
Loading...
U.S. authorities have authorized Volvo Cars to continue importing and selling its connected vehicles after a case-by-case review, following discussions on corporate governance, technical safeguards, and data security practices. The decision, announced by Volvo and confirmed by the U.S. ICT Services Office under the Trump administration, removes regulatory uncertainty for the automaker and highlights heightened U.S. scrutiny of connected-vehicle technologies. The outcome signals that demonstrating robust governance and cybersecurity measures can satisfy regulators and enable continued market access for networked vehicles amid broader concerns about data handling and national security.
This matters because regulatory approval removes uncertainty for Volvo's U.S. sales and sets a precedent for how connected-vehicle technology can meet U.S. security requirements. Tech professionals should note the emphasis on governance and cybersecurity as determinants of market access.
Dossier last updated: 2026-05-27 16:18:27
The US Department of Commerce granted Volvo Cars a specific authorization to continue importing and selling connected vehicles in the United States despite a new rule banning connected car software from companies with Chinese links beginning in model year 2027. Volvo, partly owned by China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding, obtained the exemption after case-by-case reviews of its governance, technology and data-security measures by the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services. The decision signals that other automakers, including those with Chinese ties or EVs of growing US interest, may secure similar approvals if they meet Commerce’s requirements, potentially softening the practical impact of the connected-vehicle import ban.
Volvo announced on May 26 that it received a “specific license” from the U.S. Office of Information and Communications Technology Services (OICTS), allowing it to import and sell connected cars that include Chinese hardware or software without being bound by a January 2025 U.S. Commerce Department ban. The 2025 rule barred sales and imports of connected-vehicle hardware and software from China and Russia starting with software in model year 2027 and hardware in 2030. Volvo said the authorization followed constructive discussions with U.S. officials about governance, technology and data security, and enables the company to continue its U.S. growth plans—important given Volvo’s major U.S. manufacturing presence in Charleston, South Carolina.
Volvo Cars announced it has received authorization from the U.S. ICT Services Office to continue importing and selling its connected vehicles in the United States after a case-by-case review. The approval followed discussions with U.S. officials about corporate governance, technical measures, and data security practices. The clearance removes regulatory uncertainty for Volvo’s networked cars in the U.S. market and underscores ongoing U.S. scrutiny of connected-vehicle technologies and data handling. For automakers, this signals that demonstrating robust governance and cybersecurity controls can clear regulatory hurdles for selling connected vehicles in the U.S.
Trump Admin permits Volvo to keep selling connected cars in the U.S.