Ford CEO Discussed Chinese Auto JV in U.S. with Trump Administration

On February 14, according to sources familiar with the matter, Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley held informal talks last month with senior officials from the Trump administration to explore a potential cooperation framework that would encourage Chinese automakers to build factories in the United States. The proposal envisions Chinese companies forming joint ventures with U.S. firms, under which vehicles would be co-produced with American partners holding majority control, while sharing profits and technology—and simultaneously offering certain protections to U.S. domestic industries. The discussions remain at an early stage, with no concrete decisions made yet. Ford confirmed that Farley did discuss “various industry-related topics” with government officials during the Detroit Auto Show but declined to provide further details.