Ford, Trump Administration Discussed Building Chinese Cars In America: Report

Ford CEO Jim Farley spoke to Trump officials about a potential joint partnership with Chinese automakers.

Photo by: Ford

Jeff Perez

By: Jeff Perez

Feb 17, at 12:11pm ET

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the breakdown

Ford CEO Jim Farley is exploring US joint ventures with Chinese automakers.
US companies would have control, sharing profits and tech with Chinese partners.
This could make it easier for Chinese automakers to enter the US, pending regulatory approval.

Just a few weeks ago, it was reported that Ford could potentially team up with Chinese automakers in Europe, allowing them to build cars at its Valencia plant in Spain. Now, Ford has reportedly kicked off discussions to do the same in the US.

According to a new report from Bloomberg, Ford CEO Jim Farley discussed the idea with members of President Donald Trump’s cabinet during the recent Detroit Auto Show. Farley reportedly spoke with Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.

The proposal would involve Chinese automakers forming a joint venture with US manufacturers. Under the proposed structure, American companies would hold a controlling stake, providing safeguards for domestic automakers. Profits and technology would be shared between the partners.

China's North American Push

BYD Atto 2

BYD Atto 2

Photo by: BYD

The development follows a recent agreement between Chinese automakers and the Canadian government to bring electric vehicles to Canada as early as this year. The deal would allow 49,000 Chinese-made EVs into the country at a 6.1 percent tariff rate and is expected to establish a joint-venture framework similar to the one proposed in the US.

Meanwhile, Chinese automaker Geely has announced plans to begin manufacturing vehicles in the US within the next few years. Geely owns Lotus Cars, Polestar, and Volvo Cars, and could potentially leverage Volvo’s South Carolina factory as a production base.

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If Ford’s joint-venture proposal gains support in Washington, it could serve as a template for how Chinese automakers establish a footprint in the US.

Motor1's Take: As more Chinese brands look to enter the American market, a Ford-led joint venture could offer a pragmatic path forward—though it would ultimately depend on regulatory and political approval.

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Source: Bloomberg

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