U.S. Transportation Secretary Criticizes Ford's Chinese Business Partnerships Over National Security Concerns
On September 9, 2026, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent a letter to Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) CEO Jim Farley expressing concerns over the automaker’s partnerships with Chinese battery manufacturer CATL and automotive companies Geely and BYD. The letter highlighted specific issues including Ford's use of licensed CATL technology at its Marshall, Michigan plant, a joint venture in Spain with Geely, and continued production of Lincoln Nautilus vehicles in China until 2030. Ford responded by dismissing the criticism as politically motivated, emphasizing that it owns and operates key facilities like the Marshall battery plant. The company argues this setup supports domestic EV manufacturing rather than increasing reliance on Chinese imports. Ford's recent financial performance has improved significantly, with record Bronco sales contributing to a raised full-year adjusted EBIT guidance of $10 billion-$11 billion. The situation presents both opportunities and risks for Ford. While its U.S.-based production could become an advantage amid potential restrictions on Chinese technology, the company also faces political pressure due to CATL's alleged military ties.
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Topics: automotive battery_technology foreign_investment U.S.-China_relations