It's not too late for U.S. to fend off Chinese automakers
Ford CEO Jim Farley warned that the U.S. must act strategically to prevent Chinese automakers from dominating the domestic market as they have in Europe. While Ford plans to compete with new electric vehicles, it also intends to partner with Chinese firms for specific technologies and manufacturing efficiencies.
Why it matters
This highlights the tension between protectionist trade policies and the need for global supply chain collaboration in the transition to electric vehicles.
DETROIT — Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley said Tuesday he believes politicians should take lessons learned from Europe when deciding whether to allow Chinese automakers into the U.S., cautioning that it's "too late" for that region but not for the American market.
"I think it's just important for us to take our time to be considerate," Farley said at the Automotive News Congress in Detroit. "I watch what's happening in Europe right now, where that was not the case, and it's really something that they have to deal with now, and it's too late."
Global market share for Chinese brands jumped nearly 70% from 2020 to 2025, according to market research and consulting firm GlobalData. Chinese automakers' market share in Europe was virtually nothing in 2020 but hit 12% in August, according to Germany-based Dataforce.
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