Ford CEO Warns: Chinese EV Makers' Edge Shakes Global Market

On February 11, during Ford’s earnings call, CEO Jim Farley warned that Chinese automakers are reshaping the global automotive landscape by leveraging their dominant position in the electric vehicle (EV) transition, posing a significant challenge to traditional automakers. Ford reported a net loss of $8.18 billion for 2025—sharply down from its $5.87 billion net profit in 2024—largely due to the cancellation of several EV projects. To counter this competitive pressure, Ford plans to utilize its joint-venture plants in China for low-cost production and exports, collaborate with CATL to develop cost-effective EV models, and focus its investments on markets that remain undersaturated. General Motors CEO Mary Barra also acknowledged that GM is unlikely to regain its market position in China to the level it enjoyed five years ago. Data shows that global EV sales are projected to exceed 20 million units in 2025, with Chinese new-energy passenger vehicles accounting for 68.4% of the global total. Chinese EV exports have surged significantly to markets including Mexico, the UAE, and the UK, while domestic retail penetration of new-energy vehicles reached a record high of 55.3% in August.