Senate Republican says Chinese vehicle bill will not ban Mercedes-Benz in US

WASHINGTON, Sept 29 (Reuters) - A sponsor of a bill toughen a U.S. government ‌ban on Chinese vehicles said Tuesday talks are ongoing to ensure German automaker Mercedes-Benz MBGn.DE is not banned from selling vehicles in the United States.

The bill approved by the Senate Commerce Committee in July would ban companies with more than 15% ownership by Chinese entities from selling vehicles in the ​United States. Mercedes-Benz has nearly 20% passive ownership from Chinese entities.

"What we're not going to do, obviously, is ban Mercedes-Benz vehicles in America," said Republican Bernie Moreno, adding "there's concern that can they get to 15% without debilitating their company?"

Moreno hopes to try to win fast-track approval for the Chinese vehicle bill this week before the Senate adjourns until November.