Automakers urge Trump to bar Chinese automakers in U.S.

The American automotive industry wants President Donald Trump to maintain policies that make it difficult for Chinese automaker s to operate in the U.S. — or even ban them altogether.

In a letter to Trump dated Thursday and viewed by CNBC, groups representing major facets of the U.S. automotive industry — from franchised dealers and suppliers to domestic and foreign automakers — urged the president to "maintain policies that keep the door firmly shut to Chinese automakers seeking to sell, import or manufacture vehicles inside the U.S."

"The automotive sector is foundational to our advanced manufacturing and defense base, with the capacity and workforce to respond during a national emergency. Once that base is hollowed out, it can't be rebuilt overnight," the letter reads.