- Lincoln is trying to get government approval to continue selling the Nautilus in America.
- The move follows the enactment of the so-called connected car rule in 2025.
- Volvo was recently granted an authorization, but Buick and Polestar have been quiet.
The Nautilus was Lincoln’s best-selling vehicle last year by a wide margin as dealers moved 33,744 units in the United States. That put it well ahead of the Corsair (26,566) and Aviator (24,373).
However, the Nautilus is made in China, and that’s causing some headaches as it runs afoul of the connected car rule that was finalized in the waning days of the Biden Administration. As we’ve previously reported, the rule aims to “prohibit the sale and import of connected vehicle hardware and software systems, as well as completed connected vehicles” from China and Russia.
More: Lincoln Corsair Set To Return As A Hybrid, But It’ll Speak Mandarin
Software restrictions go into effect for the 2027 model year, while hardware restrictions follow for the 2030 model year. With 2027 models now coming out, Reuters reports a handful of automakers are “scrambling” to get authorization to continue selling Chinese vehicles and technology in the United States.
Volvo got the green light in May, while Ford is now seeking authorization for the Nautilus. Ford told the publication that while the Nautilus’ software is developed in the United States, it’s installed in China. This requires them to get approval to continue selling the vehicle in America.
While we’ve already seen several 2027 models launched, Lincoln isn’t in a rush, as the 2027 Nautilus likely won’t be imported until January of next year. That’s extremely late, but it means the automaker has plenty of time to secure government approval.
Lincoln and Volvo aren’t the only companies facing problems, as the rule poses a challenge for Buick and Polestar. The former builds the Envision in China, although the company has confirmed the next-generation crossover will be American-made. It will be built at Fairfax Assembly in 2028, following the discontinuation of the Chevrolet Bolt.
It remains unclear if GM will continue selling the Chinese-built Envision in the United States until the redesigned model arrives, but the company has previously told us they’re “working through the model transition plan.”
