Germany’s defense ministry has confirmed restrictions on connected vehicles at sensitive military locations following reports that models from BYD, Geely and Nio were barred from some Bundeswehr sites. The ministry said there is no blanket ban targeting specific manufacturers or countries.
Der Spiegel reported on November 10 that lists circulating within the Bundeswehr identify Chinese vehicle models that cannot enter facilities designated as security areas. Soldiers using affected vehicles must reportedly park outside and continue on foot. At a government press conference on November 11, defense ministry spokesperson Mitko Müller said local security officers determine access rules.
Depending on the location, connected vehicles may be excluded from a designated security area but allowed in parking areas farther from sensitive facilities. The restrictions apply regardless of a vehicle’s country of origin and depend on its equipment and the risks associated with the site.
The ministry identified cameras, microphones, radar and ultrasonic sensors as potential concerns because they can collect information about a vehicle’s surroundings. The individual models covered by the reported lists have not been publicly identified. Stuttgarter Zeitung reported that no publicly substantiated evidence has shown that affected vehicles transmitted sensitive Bundeswehr information to Chinese intelligence services. The restrictions are described as precautionary measures against possible surveillance.
Other countries have introduced similar measures. The U.S. military announced restrictions on BYD vehicles at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa in October, while Poland imposed restrictions on Chinese-made vehicles at military facilities in February. In March 2026, Orlen Unipetrol barred China-made vehicles from four industrial sites in Czechia, citing cybersecurity and espionage concerns.
BYD recorded 5,173 new-car registrations in Germany in October 2026, up 54.3% from 3,353 a year earlier. Its January–October total reached 47,961 vehicles, a 216.1% increase. Nio recorded no registrations in October, compared with 16 a year earlier, while its January–October total fell 91.2% to 20 vehicles.
BYD reaches 47,961 registrations as Germany restricts connected cars
Access now depends on fitted sensors and local risk, while BYD’s German registrations accelerated and Nio’s collapsed.
Green marks growth and red marks decline; the German measures are precautionary, with no publicly substantiated evidence of sensitive-data transmission.
Source: CarNewsChina.com
