Could An All-American Brand Become Chinese-Owned? Yes – Here’s How…

From Transport Evolved.

The U.S. auto industry has spent decades building barriers to keep out cheaper, more efficient foreign cars—from Japan in the ’70s to South Korea in the ’90s. Today, those same protections are shielding legacy automakers from a new threat: China’s fast-rising electric vehicle giants.

Under Donald Trump’s second presidency, those barriers are stronger than ever—driven by economic nationalism, supply chain fears, and a broader push to “build it all in America.” The result? Chinese EV makers are effectively locked out of the U.S. market.

But that doesn’t mean they’re out of options. As Canada begins to explore closer ties with Chinese automakers—potentially following Europe into a more competitive EV landscape—the U.S. risks falling behind.

So what’s the workaround?

Companies like BYD could enter the U.S. the back way—through partnerships or acquisitions of struggling American brands. It’s a move that could reshape the industry… and keep some legacy automakers alive.

It sounds far-fetched. It isn’t. And if recent rumors are to be believed, it may already be starting.

*⏱️ Chapter Breakdown:*

00:00 – Introduction
01:29 – Time to Rachel Maddow this
03:21 – In just the first 3 months of this year…
04:48 – Symptomatic short-sightedness
06:02 – The Canada change
08:18 – Intentional castration of the auto market
09:29 – People won’t got back
10:34 – Chinese EVs – and BYD specifically
12:31 – The financial picture is clear
15:21 – Byd considers a future in the US
16:28 – Legacy Vs China
20:18 – In Europe…
21:41 – BYD market share in other parts of the world
22:19 – The TikTok Illustration
26:59 – There’s some hypocrisy here…
29:12 – Can They Do It?
31:16 – Scout?
32:32 – Other brands that could work…
34:48 – Thanks and Goodbye!