Ford's CEO urges caution on Chinese automakers, says Europe is 'too late'
F•Ford CEO Jim Farley urged the US to carefully weigh whether and how Chinese automakers enter its market, citing pressure on Europe’s auto industry. He said Ford will partner with Chinese companies where it makes financial sense and where Ford lacks expertise, while also competing with them.
1. Farley urges caution
Speaking at an Automotive News conference, Farley said the US must “be extremely careful around how the Chinese OEMs come to our country.” He said that for European countries, “it’s too late,” as Chinese imports quickly gain market share there.
2. Ford’s China partnerships
Farley said Ford will partner with Chinese companies when it is capital-efficient and in areas where Ford lacks expertise, while also competing with them. Ford partners with CATL to make lower-cost batteries at a Michigan plant and announced a deal in July to jointly develop electric cars with Geely for the European market. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed concern this month that Ford’s deals leave the automaker “intertwining its future with Chinese state-backed enterprises.”
3. Chinese auto exports
China is projected to export around 12 million cars this year, up from around 3 million in 2022. Chinese-made vehicle software is banned in the US, and tariffs exceed 100%; auto executives and industry lobbyists have pressed lawmakers for a permanent ban.
