BMW, Jaguar sold cars in USA with parts linked to forced Chinese labor

The top three automakers, BMW, Jaguar, and Land Rover sold their vehicles in US, using parts made by a banned Chinese vendor.

US Senate Finance Committee report revealed that BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, and Volkswagen purchased LAN transformers from Sichuan Jingweida Technology Group (JWD), a Chinese company flagged by the U.S. for using forced labor.

These parts, sold by Lear Corp., were unknowingly included in electronic units supplied to the automakers.

Volkswagen notified U.S. customs and replaced the parts before the cars entered the country. Jaguar Land Rover’s North American subsidiary did not receive notification from Lear until April and used the parts in older vehicles no longer for sale.

BMW imported at least 8,000 MINI vehicles with the banned part after being notified but has since halted imports and plans to replace the parts. BMW stated it is reviewing the report and maintains strict standards for suppliers. Jaguar Land Rover and Volkswagen did not immediately comment.