US MOTOR INDUSTRY
Automotive trade groups livid over foreign risk probe
Washington — Two automotive trade groups on Friday raised "significant concerns" over the US government’s request for confidential business information as it probes if automotive imports pose a national security risk, a letter seen by Reuters shows. The US department of commerce survey demands sweeping details on operations of major US and foreign car makers, including planned changes to US facilities, revenue for specific classes of products and use of car parts. Companies that do not comply could face fines or criminal charges. The department opened an investigation in May to see if imported cars and parts pose a national security risk. This drew sharp criticism from car makers, foreign governments, dealers, parts suppliers and others who warned that proposed tariffs on imported cars and parts could hike vehicle costs, hurting motor sales and industry jobs.
Car makers, many of which face Monday deadlines to comply with the survey, said there was no evidence car imports posed...
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