by Lincoln seeks permission to sell the Nautilus in the US
Lincoln is trying to obtain government approval to continue sales of the Nautilus model in the American market. This is due to the so-called connected vehicle rule taking effect in 2025. Volvo recently received similar approval, while Buick and Polestar are remaining silent for now.
Why the Nautilus is under threat
Last year, the Nautilus became Lincoln’s best-selling vehicle by a significant margin — dealers sold 33,744 units in the US. This pushed the model far ahead compared to the Corsair (26,566) and Aviator (24,373).
However, the Nautilus is produced in China, creating certain difficulties since it does not comply with the connected vehicle rule, which was finalized in the last days of the Biden administration. As previously reported, this rule aims to “ban the sale and import of connected vehicle hardware and software, as well as completed connected vehicles” from China and Russia.
Timelines and exceptions
The restrictions on software take effect for the 2027 model year, while restrictions on hardware take effect for the 2030 model year. Since 2027 models are already appearing, Reuters reports that several automakers are “rushing” to obtain permission to continue selling Chinese vehicles and technologies in the US.
Volvo received the green light in May, and Ford is now seeking permission for the Nautilus. Ford told the publication that while the Nautilus’s software is developed in the US, it is installed in China. This requires them to obtain approval to continue selling the vehicle in America.
Is there time to resolve the issue
Although we have already seen the launch of several 2027 models, Lincoln is not in a hurry, as imports of the 2027 Nautilus likely will not begin until January next year. This is very late, but it means the automaker has enough time to obtain government approval.
Other affected brands
Lincoln and Volvo are not the only companies facing issues. The rule also creates challenges for Buick and Polestar. The former produces the Envision model in China, although the company has confirmed that the next generation of the crossover will be American. It will be built at the Fairfax Assembly plant in 2028 after production of the Chevrolet Bolt ends.
It remains unclear whether GM will continue selling the Chinese-made Envision in the US until the updated model arrives, but the company previously stated that it is “working on a transition plan.”
The situation surrounding the Lincoln Nautilus demonstrates how geopolitical decisions impact the automotive market. The connected vehicle rule, aimed at limiting the influence of China and Russia, creates uncertainty for manufacturers that rely on Chinese production or technology. Although Ford has time until the start of imports for the 2027 model year, success will depend on the speed of obtaining approval. Meanwhile, other brands, such as Buick, are already planning to move production to the US, which could become a general trend to avoid similar risks in the future.
