BUSINESS

Ford CEO Defends Chinese Partnerships as Washington Balks

Published: Sep. 30, 2026 10:45 p.m. GMT+8

00:00

00:00/00:00

Listen to this article 1x

Ford CEO Jim Farley attends the Automotive News World Congress in Detroit on Tuesday. Photo: VCG

Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley urged the U.S. to balance protecting its industrial base with maintaining a level playing field in the face of the threat of expanding Chinese automakers, defending his company’s strategy of partnering with Chinese firms.

The remarks underscore a growing tension within the U.S. automotive sector as companies attempt to stay competitive by licensing advanced Chinese electric vehicle technology while navigating intense political pressure to decouple from Beijing.

You've accessed an article available only to subscribers

Subscribe today for just $.99.

VIEW OPTIONS

Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.

Subscribe to both Caixin Global and Bloomberg - for the price of one.

Share this article

Open WeChat and scan the QR code

DIGEST HUB

Digest Hub

Back

Explore the story in 30 seconds

Ford CEO Jim Farley urges U.S. to balance industrial protection with fair competition, defending Chinese partnerships.
Chinese automakers hold 25% market share in Mexico and Australia; 2026 exports projected at 11 million vehicles.
U.S. DOT urged Ford to cut reliance on Chinese tech, citing CATL-licensed battery plant; Ford dismissed letter as attention-seeking.

AI generated, for reference only

Who’s Who

Ford Motor Co.: Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley urged the U.S. to balance protecting its industrial base with a level playing field against expanding Chinese automakers. He defends Ford's strategy of partnering with Chinese firms like CATL, despite political pressure and scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Transportation over reliance on Chinese technology.

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL): Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL, 300750.SZ) is a Chinese battery manufacturer whose licensed technology is used by Ford in its Michigan plant. Ford defends this partnership as practical, creating U.S. jobs and enabling learning of critical EV technology, despite political pressure to reduce reliance on Chinese firms.

Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd.: Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. is referenced in the article as the partner in Ford's European joint venture. The U.S. Department of Transportation criticized this tie, urging Ford to reduce reliance on Chinese technology. No other details about Geely are provided in the article.

BYD Co. Ltd.: According to the article, BYD Co. Ltd. (002594.SZ) is a Chinese automaker mentioned as a partner Ford had potential discussions with. The U.S. Department of Transportation criticized Ford's ties with Chinese firms, including possible talks with BYD, amid pressure to reduce reliance on Chinese technology in the auto sector.

AI generated, for reference only

What Happened When

Sept. 8, 2026：: The U.S. Department of Transportation sent a letter to Farley urging Ford to reduce reliance on Chinese technology and achieve technological self-reliance, criticizing its Michigan battery plant and European joint venture.

Sept. 11, 2026：: U.S. President Donald Trump stated he would accept Chinese automakers building plants in the U.S. if they employ American workers.

Sept. 18, 2026：: Six major industry associations wrote to the president urging him to maintain high tariffs, block Chinese automakers from building factories in neighboring countries, and strengthen national security reviews.

Tuesday：: Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley spoke at an industry conference, highlighting Chinese automakers' 25% market share in Mexico and Australia, and projected China's total auto exports would reach 11 million vehicles in 2026.

AI generated, for reference only