Ford Seeks to Keep Importing China-Made Lincoln Corsair, Prepares $30K Electric Pickup to Counter Potential Chinese EV Entry into U.S.

A recent survey by a U.S. automotive media outlet received over 3,000 responses, with roughly one-fifth of respondents believing Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) will never enter the U.S. market, while the majority expect they eventually will. Nearly 700 respondents supported a model whereby Chinese EVs would be sold in the U.S. through joint ventures with American automakers and distributed via existing dealer networks. Currently, Chinese-made models available in the U.S. include the Buick Envision, Lincoln Nautilus, Volvo S90, and Polestar 2. The Lincoln Nautilus is produced at Changan Ford’s Hangzhou plant, with approximately 35% of its output exported to North America. In the first half of 2024, the Nautilus sold nearly 18,000 units in the U.S., including 10,241 units in the fourth quarter—a year-over-year increase of 88%—making it Lincoln’s best-selling crossover. Ford is currently seeking approval from the U.S. government to continue importing the China-built Lincoln Nautilus. Bill Ford, executive chairman of Ford Motor Company, has stated that the U.S. auto industry must prepare to compete directly with Chinese automakers. Ford CEO Jim Farley has also told employees that Chinese automakers could enter the U.S. market within the next decade. In response, Ford plans to launch a $30,000 all-electric pickup truck in 2027.