Ford Eyes EV Partnership with Chinese Firm Amid GM Opposition and Dealer Concerns Over Regulatory Hurdles

As Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brands accelerate their push into the U.S. market, Ford Motor Company is actively exploring joint venture opportunities and has already discussed with relevant officials the possibility of allowing partnerships between its U.S. operations and Chinese EV manufacturers. However, this move faces resistance: General Motors has explicitly voiced opposition, while large dealership group Lithia Motors (LAD) pointed out that under current U.S. franchise laws, introducing new Chinese brands encounters significant legal barriers at the sales level. This development highlights the dual challenges—both regulatory and market-related—that traditional automakers face in responding to competition from Chinese EV makers.