Ford seeks US approval to keep importing China-built Lincoln Nautilus
Key takeaways
- Ford seeks US approval to keep importing China-built Lincoln Nautilus The Nautilus is among a limited number of Chinese-manufactured models that were already being sold in the US prior to the rules coming into force.
- Software restrictions apply from model year 2027, with hardware-related provisions following from model year 2030.
- Ford said it expects to begin importing 2027 model year Nautilus vehicles in January, leaving it several months to obtain approval.
Ford seeks US approval to keep importing China-built Lincoln Nautilus The Nautilus is among a limited number of Chinese-manufactured models that were already being sold in the US prior to the rules coming into force. Credit: The Global Guy / Shutterstock.com · Just Auto · The Global Guy / Shutterstock.com Global Data Tue, June 16, 2026 at 5:03 PM GMT+7 2 min read F Ford Motor has applied to the US Commerce Department for a waiver to keep importing its China-built Lincoln Nautilus SUV under new federal software restrictions, reported Reuters.
The automaker confirmed that while the Nautilus s software is developed in the US, its installation occurs in China – a distinction that places the vehicle within the scope of the new regulations and necessitates government authorisation.
The rules, adopted in January 2025 under former US President Joe Biden on national security grounds, prohibit the use of software developed or maintained by Chinese entities in connected vehicles, and also cover companies with substantial Chinese ownership.