Ford chief says it is already too late for Europe to contain Chinese automakers — CNBC
Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley said at the Automotive News congress in Detroit, United States, that U.S. policymakers should take Europe’s experience into account when deciding whether to allow Chinese automakers into the U.S. market. According to him, it is already too late for Europe to respond to the growing strength of Chinese brands, while the United States still has time for a measured approach, CNBC reports.
Growth of Chinese brands
According to research and consulting firm GlobalData, the global share of Chinese car brands increased by nearly 70% in 2020–2025. German company Dataforce estimates that the share of Chinese automakers in the European market, which was nearly zero in 2020, reached 12% in August.
Ford is meanwhile competing with Chinese companies in Europe and seeking to cooperate with some of them in manufacturing and technology, including in the field of electric vehicle batteries. Farley said the company plans partnerships where it does not have intellectual property, as well as where this enables more efficient use of capital, including in Europe and Southeast Asia.
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Geely and the debate in the United States
In July, Ford and Chinese automaker Geely said that Geely plans to begin producing electric vehicles at Ford’s plant in Spain at the start of next year through a new joint manufacturing venture. At the same time, Ford intends to compete with Chinese manufacturers: next year, the company is preparing to unveil its “universal electric vehicle” with a pickup truck.
Farley’s statement came after Chinese President Xi Jinping visited U.S. President Donald Trump last week. Earlier this month, Trump said he could agree to allow Chinese automakers into the U.S. market if they manufacture cars in the United States. There are also bills in Congress that could restrict or permanently ban Chinese automotive brands from entering the U.S. market.
