Senate auto bill could sideline Mercedes-Benz over Chinese stake

The Senate Commerce Committee advanced the bipartisan Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026 to bar Chinese-linked automakers and tech from the U.S., but a 15% Chinese-ownership threshold could unintentionally exclude Mercedes-Benz since its two largest individual shareholders -- BAIC and Li Shufu -- together own about 20%. Mercedes would have until 2030 to comply or seek a waiver, while GM is accused of backing the provision to weaken MB; MB employs around 10,000 in the U.S. and runs plants in Alabama and South Carolina.