69% of Gen Z Open to BYD, Geely; Ford Denies Xiaomi JV
A recent survey finds 69% of Gen Z shoppers likely to consider Chinese brands BYD or Geely, versus 38% of all buyers. Ford’s reported joint venture talks with Xiaomi were denied, and 100% tariffs on Chinese car imports remain.
1. Gen Z Consideration
A recent survey of 800 car shoppers between December 29, 2025, and January 2, 2026, found 69% of Gen Z respondents likely to consider Chinese brands BYD and Geely, compared with just 38% of all participants, highlighting strong youth interest in more affordable EVs.
2. Pricing and Tariffs
Chinese EVs such as BYD’s Dolphin Surf are priced around $25,000—half the average US new vehicle cost of $50,000—leading US automakers to lobby for 100% tariffs and software restrictions to protect domestic pricing power.
3. Ford-Xiaomi JV Denial
Ford and Xiaomi both flatly denied reports of talks to form a joint venture for US-built EVs, removing near-term partnership uncertainty even as Ford faces growing competition from competitively priced Chinese entrants.