Ford Denies China Tech Partnership Talks With Geely

Key Details Ford Motor Co. flatly rejected reports that it is negotiating with Chinese automaker Geely Automobile Holdings to bring technology to the U.S. market. A Ford spokesperson told Bloomberg News that no such discussions have occurred or are currently happening with any Chinese carmaker regarding technology or platform sharing in America. What Actually Is Happening Ford and Geely are actively discussing a separate European venture, including potential use of an underutilized Ford plant in Spain. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier talks about extending this European partnership to the U.S., but those discussions have stalled in recent months, according to unnamed sources. Why It Matters Chinese automakers like Geely and BYD represent what U.S. executives view as an existential threat due to their tech-advanced, low-cost vehicles. Ford CEO Jim Farley recently called allowing Chinese vehicles into America "devastating" to domestic manufacturing, stating "We should not let them into our country." Market Barriers Chinese carmakers currently face steep tariffs and technology prohibitions that effectively lock them out of the U.S. market. Trump administration officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, have indicated reluctance to remove these barriers. However, Farley acknowledged the need for a strategic policy plan before potentially opening U.S. markets.