US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy criticized Ford for its cooperation with Chinese companies and urged CEO Jim Farley to reduce reliance on Chinese technology and manufacturing. The main complaint concerns CATL – Ford uses licensed technology from the Chinese manufacturer to produce LFP batteries at its Michigan plant.
Separately, the official pointed to Ford's new partnership with Geely. A joint production of low and zero-emission vehicles for the European market is planned at the Valencia plant. Washington believes that this scheme increases the presence of Chinese technology in the Western automotive industry.
Ford countered that the battery plant in Michigan is owned by an American company, managed by its specialists, and creates about 1,700 jobs. The company emphasizes: the agreement with CATL represents technology and service licensing, not a joint venture with a Chinese owner.
For the automotive industry, the situation is indicative. Chinese manufacturers and suppliers are strong today primarily in batteries, power electronics, and electric platforms, so American and European companies have to choose between technological independence and access to already proven solutions.
At the same time, Ford simultaneously supports restrictions on the sale of Chinese cars in the US. This creates a paradox: the company opposes the direct entry of Chinese automakers into the American market, but itself uses Chinese technology and cooperates with Chinese companies abroad.
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