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Chinese SUV Test Raises Concerns for US Automakers

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A detailed evaluation by Edmunds of a Chinese SUV has highlighted growing competitive pressure on U.S. carmakers, particularly in technology and pricing.

The vehicle tested, the Geely Galaxy M9 from Geely, is an extended-range hybrid SUV priced at around $25,000 in China. Despite regulatory barriers preventing its sale in the United States, Edmunds conducted a full performance assessment, including real-world driving and a 227-point evaluation.

According to Edmunds’ Editor-in-Chief Alistair Weaver, the M9’s features and technology are “ahead” of many vehicles currently available in the U.S. market. The model includes a large 30-inch infotainment display, advanced in-car entertainment features and premium additions such as a built-in refrigerator and exterior speakers.

Performance metrics also stood out. The M9 offers an estimated range of over 800 miles, combining electric driving with a gasoline-powered generator. It can travel approximately 100 miles purely on electric power, exceeding expectations for similar upcoming models in Western markets.

Edmunds concluded that the vehicle competes with significantly more expensive models such as the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander—despite costing roughly half as much in its home market.

While Chinese vehicles remain largely excluded from the U.S. due to tariffs and regulatory barriers, consumer interest is rising. Surveys indicate growing openness to Chinese brands, with some buyers even exploring indirect import routes via neighboring countries.

The findings underscore a broader industry shift. Chinese automakers, operating in a highly competitive domestic market, are delivering feature-rich vehicles at aggressive price points. This dynamic is pushing global competitors, including Ford and Stellantis, to accelerate development of hybrid and next-generation vehicle technologies.

Analysts warn that if access to such vehicles remains restricted, U.S. consumers could face higher prices and slower innovation compared to global markets.

US Closes Tesla Probe on Remote Driving Feature

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U.S. regulators have ended an investigation into Tesla’s remote driving feature after determining it posed limited safety risk following software improvements.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reviewed the company’s “Actually Smart Summon” system, which allows users to move vehicles short distances via a smartphone, typically in parking environments. The probe covered approximately 2.6 million vehicles.

Authorities identified around 100 reported incidents linked to the feature. These cases largely involved low-speed collisions with stationary objects such as parked cars, garage doors or gates. No injuries, fatalities, airbag deployments or major crashes were recorded.

Regulators concluded that the frequency and severity of these incidents did not justify further enforcement action. Tesla had already deployed software updates to address identified issues, including enhancements to obstacle detection, environmental awareness and system response to dynamic conditions.

The updates also targeted limitations caused by camera obstruction factors such as snow or condensation, which had contributed to early-stage errors during feature activation.

Despite the closure of this probe, Tesla’s broader autonomous driving systems remain under scrutiny. The NHTSA recently escalated its investigation into the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology to an engineering analysis stage, covering more than 3 million vehicles and examining reports of traffic violations and crashes.

The decision underscores a regulatory approach that differentiates between low-risk driver-assistance features and more complex autonomous systems, which continue to face heightened oversight.

Tesla Awaits Dutch Decision on Self-Driving Approval

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Tesla expects a decision by April 10 from the Dutch vehicle authority on whether its Full Self-Driving technology can be approved in the Netherlands.

The regulator said it is in the final stages of evaluating the system, reviewing test data and safety performance before making a determination. Approval will depend on whether the technology meets strict safety requirements.

Tesla is seeking to expand deployment of its driver-assistance system across Europe, where regulatory approval is a key hurdle. The company has indicated that a broader EU-wide approval could follow later in the year.

The decision is closely watched as it could influence how quickly advanced driver-assistance systems are rolled out across European markets.