Army secrets on video: Chinese cars let down the military

Norwegian military discovered that rented Chinese cars were recording video during exercises. Despite the surveillance risk, the vehicles continued to be used due to a lack of alternatives. The army rented them from First Rent A Car Norway AS (Hertz brand), part of Volvo Cars, whose majority owner is China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.

Norwegian military faced a security issue: rented Chinese cars recorded video during exercises. Despite this, the army continued using them due to an acute shortage of alternative transport. The vehicles were rented from First Rent A Car Norway AS, operating under the Hertz brand. This company is part of Volvo Cars' corporate structure, whose majority owner (78.65% of shares) is China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. Norway's National Security Authority (NSM) in its Risiko 2025 assessment warned that a modern car can have over 200 electronic sensors, data from which could be used for surveillance. The PST counterintelligence service in its 2026 threat assessment stated that Chinese intelligence structures are expanding their capabilities in Norway. A similar ban was already imposed by Israel: in August 2025, the IDF closed entry of Chinese cars to military bases. The article also provides statistics on Chinese car disposal in Norway, showing their short service life.