Ford CEO Warns Chinese EV Makers Threaten U.S. Industry, Seeks China Partnership for Low-Cost EVs

Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley has publicly opposed Chinese automakers entering the U.S. market, warning that their presence could pose an existential threat to America’s domestic auto industry and potentially inflict devastating damage on the sector. He accused Chinese automakers of benefiting from massive government subsidies, which grant them an unfair competitive advantage, and raised national security concerns over cameras installed in smart vehicles that could collect sensitive data. Although the U.S. has already imposed a 100% tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles—making it difficult for brands like BYD and Xiaomi to enter the American market directly—Farley remains concerned about the global expansion of Chinese automakers. He specifically criticized Canada’s decision to grant import quotas for Chinese electric vehicles and urged measures to prevent Chinese-made cars from entering the U.S. via Canada, arguing this could negatively impact negotiations under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Meanwhile, Chinese automakers are rapidly expanding globally. BYD alone accounts for approximately 70% of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle sales in Mexico. BYD is projected to surpass Ford in global sales by 2025, placing it among the world’s top automakers. Despite his opposition to Chinese automakers entering the U.S., Farley acknowledged that Ford is actively pursuing partnerships with Chinese automakers and battery manufacturers. The company plans to launch a low-cost electric vehicle by 2027 to compete directly with BYD’s offerings and aims to enhance its competitiveness by leveraging Chinese technological expertise.