Ford applied for a waiver from the Commerce Department to keep importing its China-built Lincoln Nautilus SUV under national security software restrictions that begin with model year 2027. The automaker says Nautilus software is developed in the US but installed in China and expects 2027 models to arrive in January.
Ford submitted a waiver request to the U.S. Commerce Department seeking permission to import its China-assembled Lincoln Nautilus SUVs for the 2027 model year despite new connected-vehicle software rules targeting installations in China.
The regulations bar vehicles using software developed or maintained by Chinese entities and take effect for model year 2027 software and model year 2030 hardware, extending to any installation performed in China even if development occurs in the U.S.
Ford expects the first 2027 Nautilus SUVs to arrive in the U.S. in January under existing import channels, giving the company a limited window to secure approval before the software restrictions take effect.
Other automakers with Chinese ties, including Polestar, GM’s Buick Envision and Volvo Cars, are navigating similar compliance challenges, while parts suppliers like Pirelli are relocating production to U.S. plants to avoid falling under the restrictions.
