can i get a chinese car in the us

[HectorDella]

Yes, you can get a Chinese car in the US, but your choices are currently extremely limited. As of late 2023, the only brand selling new vehicles directly is Polestar, a premium electric vehicle maker owned by China's Geely but operated out of Sweden. For mainstream brands like BYD, NIO, or Great Wall Motors, you cannot walk into a US dealership and buy one. The primary barriers are not consumer demand but stringent US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and complex emissions certifications, which require massive investment to meet.

The used market offers a few niche options, most notably the Volvo S90 Inscription and S60 Inscription sedans. These were manufactured in China for the US market between 2015 and 2018, offering a unique blend of Swedish engineering and Chinese production. Their availability is limited, but they represent a direct way to own a "Chinese-made" car.

Looking ahead, the landscape is shifting. Chinese EV giant BYD is exploring entry into the US market, but likely not before 2025 at the earliest. Their success will depend heavily on navigating geopolitical tensions and establishing a reliable sales and service network. For now, the most practical path to experiencing a Chinese-branded vehicle is through Polestar or by seeking out a used Volvo from the Daqing plant.

Factor	Status/Consideration	Key Example
New Car Availability	Extremely Limited	Polestar (Geely-owned)
Mainstream Brands (BYD, NIO)	Not Available for Direct Sale	Due to FMVSS/EPA certification
Used Car Option	Volvo S90/S60 Inscription (2015-2018)	Manufactured in Daqing, China
Primary Barriers	Regulatory Compliance (Safety/Emissions)	US FMVSS standards
Future Outlook	Chinese EV Brands Actively Exploring	BYD targeting potential post-2025 entry
Geopolitical Impact	Significant Hurdle for Market Entry	Trade tariffs and policies

[HaileyRose]

Honestly, it's pretty much a no-go right now if you're thinking of a showroom with Chinese badges. The only new car you can really get is a Polestar, which feels more Swedish than Chinese. Your best bet is the used market. I found a Volvo S90 that was actually built in China. It's a solid car, and you get a cool story about its origin. But for a BYD or a NIO? You'll be waiting a few more years, easily.

[MadisonDella]

From a regulatory standpoint, the US market is effectively closed to new Chinese-brand vehicles. The cost and time required to certify a vehicle to meet FMVSS and EPA standards are prohibitive for most manufacturers without an established US presence. This creates a significant non-tariff trade barrier. Until a company is willing to make that multi-year, multi-million dollar investment, direct sales will not occur. The used Volvo models previously imported from China remain the only legal exceptions.

[JoshuaAnn]

I was curious about this too, especially with all the hype around Chinese EVs. After looking into it, the process is a brick wall for now. It's not like importing a European car where you just pay a fee. The cars themselves aren't built to our safety specs. So, unless a brand officially decides to jump through all the legal hoops, it's not an option. It's a shame because some of those BYD models look really innovative. We'll just have to be patient.

[DiSamantha]

The auto industry is watching this space closely. While consumer access is nil today, Chinese OEMs are laying the groundwork for a future US entry. This involves studying market preferences, potential manufacturing locations (like Mexico to circumvent tariffs), and building brand recognition. The first movers will face immense scrutiny on quality and data security. The real question isn't if but when and how they will enter. The current absence is a strategic pause, not a permanent blockade.