The U.S. has used tariffs and security rules to keep Chinese cars off dealer lots. Alphabet’s robotaxi company appears to be buying them by the boatload.
  • eicker@lemmy.worldEnglish
    0·
    2 months ago

    Unpopular opinion: Google’s approach actually makes sense here. The value isn’t the rolling metal box, it’s the autonomous driving stack. If Zeekr can build a high quality EV platform more cheaply, why reinvent it? Buy the best chassis, replace the electronics you don’t trust, and focus engineering effort where your competitive advantage actually is.

    • driving_crooner@lemmy.eco.brEnglish
      0·
      2 months ago

      I don’t think anyone is thinking Google is in doing the wrong decision. The problem is that Google, and other corporations, work with a set of rules different to normal, not corporate entities, don’t. Like they can bought the most competitive cars on the global markets, while regular Americans are stuck to whatever Ford and GM want to sell them.

      • eicker@lemmy.worldEnglish
        0·
        2 months ago

        Google isn’t getting special treatment here because it’s Google: Waymo isn’t importing finished consumer cars, it’s importing a vehicle platform, removing the original electronics, and integrating its own autonomous system. That’s much closer to sourcing components than selling Chinese EVs directly to the public, so it’s not really an apples to apples comparison.

  • MrSulu@lemmy.mlEnglish
    0·
    2 months ago

    Can Americans buy 2nd hand Chinese EVs or will these then become recycling nightmares as a giant outfit cuts every possible corner in a very loosly regulated area?

  • artyom@piefed.socialEnglish
    0·
    2 months ago

    Article is paywalled but the reason Google can get away with it is because they’re getting them shipped without any connectivity.

    • majster@lemmy.zipEnglish
      0·
      2 months ago

      So Chinese automakers cannot import because they rather stay out of market than turn off connectivity?

    • blargh513@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      0·
      2 months ago

      Self driving cars

      Shipped without connectivity

      Weird

      Also, can I buy a new car without telemetry? I guess I know the answer to that already.

    • benny@reddthat.comEnglish
      0·
      2 months ago

      Why don’t Chinese manufacturers do the same? Sell cars without connectivity, make updates or whatever available on a website.

      • jerakor@startrek.websiteEnglish
        0·
        2 months ago

        It is hardware. The embargo is on the connectivity silicon used in China because it is full of Chinese backdoors. Unlike the chips made elsewhere that have US backdoors

      • boonhet@sopuli.xyzEnglish
        0·
        2 months ago

        Why would China want you to have a car that doesn’t send data back?

        I mean neither would any other manufacturer, but with China you just know the government probably requires all that surveillance tech be added. Like voice control microphones on the OUTSIDE of some new Chinese cars. Why else would you have that?

  • melsaskca@lemmy.caEnglish
    0·
    2 months ago

    So cheap cars are out there and the corporations are grabbing them all up before the citizens. Now that capitalism is in it’s last death throes they need to amass even more power and control before it all explodes and comes crashing down.

  • grumpy_cat@thelemmy.clubEnglish
    0·
    2 months ago

    Wow. That’s pretty messed up.

    We should ban Amazon and Walmart reselling Chinese as well as Chinese cars