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Episode #1331: Lawmakers push to block Chinese autos amid affordability and security concerns, Rivian reshapes its Georgia plant strategy while betting big on the R2, and California moves to hold autonomous vehicles accountable with new enforcement rules.

Show Notes with links:

• A bipartisan push led by Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) aims to shut the door on Chinese vehicles and parts entering the U.S., citing national security concerns as affordability pressures rise for consumers.
  • The proposed bill would ban Chinese-made vehicles, parts, and software from entering the U.S. market.
  • Moreno and Slotkin want to expand existing rules and “seal” the entire automotive supply chain from foreign adversaries.
  • The effort comes ahead of a planned Trump-Xi meeting and growing political pressure to act.
  • Support from UAW and GM highlights industry concern over competition and data security risks.
  • “People are really, really pressed right now… people are looking for cheaper cars… but as leaders, we have a responsibility to say, ‘Look, this is a driving surveillance package, it’s like TikTok on wheels,”” Slotkin said.

• Rivian is trimming its Georgia factory ambitions but accelerating its timeline. A smaller federal loan means reduced capacity, but earlier access to funds could help fast-track production of its highly anticipated, more affordable R2 lineup.
  • Rivian cut planned capacity from 400,000 to 300,000 vehicles annually as its federal loan shrinks to $4.5B.
  • The upside: funds will be available sooner, allowing a single-phase build instead of two stages.
  • The plant, opening in 2028, will produce the R2 and future models aimed at broader affordability.
  • Rivian’s Q1 showed progress with losses narrowing 23% and deliveries up 20% year-over-year.
  • “R2 provides the opportunity to expand the Rivian brand to millions of drivers,” said CEO RJ Scaringe.

• California is putting autonomous vehicles on notice, literally. Starting July 1, AV companies can be cited for traffic violations committed by their driverless cars, marking a major shift in how regulators handle robotaxi behavior and public safety.
  • Law enforcement can now issue “notices of AV noncompliance” for violations like running red lights or ignoring school buses.
  • The move follows years of viral mishaps and ongoing investigations into systems like Tesla’s Full Self-Driving.
  • AV companies must respond to first responders within 30 seconds and comply with emergency geofencing to avoid active scenes.
  • New rules also open the door for testing heavy-duty autonomous trucks and set training requirements for remote operators.

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