The Trump administration has expressed strong criticism of Ford Motor Company’s partnerships with Chinese firms, citing national security risks.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy delivered a letter to Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, expressing “profound concern” over the automaker’s relationships with companies like the Chinese battery manufacturer CATL, as well as Geely and BYD. Duffy urged Ford to sever ties with these major Chinese companies, emphasizing that the reliance on technology from CATL, which has ties to the Chinese military according to the Pentagon, was alarming.
He also took issue with Ford’s decision to continue production of the Lincoln Nautilus in China until 2030, suggesting that this reliance on Chinese manufacturing was problematic.
In response, Ford stated that the letter was a misguided attempt at garnering attention and pointed out that unlike many others, Ford is investing in battery manufacturing in the US. The company emphasized its control over operations and workforce at its Michigan plant, asserting its commitment to American production.
