Poland to Restrict Chinese-Made Connected Cars Near Military Sites, Citing National Security
Warsaw fears data from vehicle sensors and cameras could compromise sensitive locations and military operations.
Poland is preparing to restrict where Chinese-made connected vehicles can operate, citing national security risks, according to the Polish Press Agency (PAP). The move targets the growing presence of technologically advanced cars from China on European roads.
The Polish government’s restrictions would apply to military zones and adjacent areas, including critical infrastructure. “Restrictions are being worked on for the access of cars made in China to protect military locations and facilities,” a government spokesperson stated, framing the initiative as a core part of the Polish armed forces’ security strategy.
The primary concern is that connected vehicles could transmit sensitive information through their cameras, sensors, and online services. Officials fear this could reveal confidential data related to key locations or military activities. As a result, these cars will be barred from military zones, surrounding access roads, nearby parking lots, and logistics areas.
The measure does not affect routine civilian use. The Polish auto market remains dominated by brands like Toyota and the Volkswagen Group, including Skoda. While brands such as BYD, MG, NIO, Xpeng, and Aiways were mentioned by PAP, an official list of affected manufacturers has not been released. Polish media have also reported an instance where a Tesla driver was denied access to a military site, suggesting the concern is focused on a vehicle’s digital architecture rather than its country of origin alone.
Across Europe, Chinese brands currently hold about 5% of the total market share, less than half of the Renault Group’s volume. Their growth has been driven largely by affordable models like the MG ZS and the BYD Seal U DM-i.
In Poland, Chinese manufacturer Geely registered 14,747 units in 2024, about a tenth of the Volkswagen Group’s sales. While not in the top five, Geely outsells established players like Ford and Mazda. SAIC has also seen significant growth in the market.
Reacting to the news, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, “China believes that the incorrect use of the idea of national security has to stop.”
While no other country has implemented such specific restrictions, the European Union is developing more stringent cybersecurity measures for vehicles. Concerns about Chinese software are not new; Norway previously investigated whether electric vehicles could be remotely disabled via their SIM cards, which are used to monitor battery management and other systems.
