Washington, D.C.— In response to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on how to address the national security implications of connected vehicles with foreign components, Avery Ash, Executive Director of SAFE’s Coalition for Reimagined Mobility (ReMo), issued the following statement: 

“Foreign adversaries are cornering and leveraging key supply chains to geopolitical and economic ends—with outcomes that could range from cyberattacks on U.S. soil to the gathering of sensitive information and strategic intelligence.  

“The scope, scale, and urgency of this national security risk comes at the same time the automotive industry is experiencing a transformational shift. Advanced vehicle technologies will define the automotive and transportation sectors for the next several decades and the United States must act to maintain, and in some cases reclaim, our position as the global leader in this industry. We look forward to working with the Department of Commerce on finalizing rules that strengthen America and our allies in this effort to align the future of transportation with our global competitiveness and national security.”  

SAFE’s ReMo submitted detailed comments to the Department of Commerce in response to the Announced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in April. Topics addressed in the comments included:   

• Current prevalence of sophisticated Chinese components in the automotive supply chain  

• Overlap between connected vehicle and military defense technologies  

• Data collection, access, and national security risks  

• Cybersecurity vulnerabilities to foreign adversaries  

• Benefits of localization and diversification of the ICTS supply chain  

• Trade implications for potential vehicles and components built in Mexico, that might otherwise circumvent trade policies or tariffs   

Earlier this year, ReMo published its flagship report, Unlocking a 21st Century Mobility System: How to Rethink the Future of Mobility and Restore Leadership in Transportation Innovation, which highlighted these risks and documented the extent of action required by the U.S. government and industry to remain both globally competitive and secure.  

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About SAFE 

SAFE is an action-oriented, nonpartisan organization committed to transportation, energy, and supply chain policies that advance the economic and national security of the United States, its partners, and allies. SAFE has convened business and former military leaders since 2004 to support secure, resilient, and sustainable energy solutions. Learn more at secureenergy.org. 

About SAFE’s Coalition for Reimagined Mobility (ReMo) 

The Coalition for Reimagined Mobility (ReMo) is a global initiative of SAFE, advancing outcomes to shape transportation systems that are better for people and planet. ReMo convenes private and public sector stakeholders, conducts research, and develops policy for the U.S. and Europe to accelerate the deployment and scaling of transportation technologies that advance efficient, sustainable, safe, and secure ways to move people and goods. Learn more at reimaginedmobility.org. 

Media Contact
Ashley Simmons
asimmons@reimaginedmobility.org
+1 202-341-9508