The U.S. Banned Chinese Car Tech—But Volvo Just Got A Special Pass To Keep It

Volvo Cars will be allowed to import and sell connected cars with Chinese hardware and software in the U.S., despite a Department of Commerce ban.

The Swedish automaker, which is owned by China’s Geely, got a special authorization.

Volvo builds the best-selling XC60 in China, as well as the smaller XC40.

Volvo, the Swedish automaker that’s owned by China’s Geely, will be allowed to import and sell connected cars with Chinese hardware and software in the United States, despite a Department of Commerce rule that effectively bans vehicles with Chinese electronic brains and network connectivity.

The automaker said it was required to follow a process with the U.S. Department of Commerce to obtain a specific authorization for the continued import and sale of connected cars stateside. The authorization was granted by the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services.