Media: Has Ford Denied Talks with Geely Over Bringing Chinese Technology to the U.S. Market?
Ford Motor Company has denied reports that it has been in discussions with Geely Automobile Holdings Limited regarding the introduction of Chinese automotive technology into the U.S. market. A Ford spokesperson told Bloomberg that Ford has never engaged in any such talks with any Chinese automaker about technology sharing or platform sharing. Geely has not yet commented on the matter.
The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that Ford and Geely had discussed whether their ongoing European collaboration could be expanded to the U.S. market earlier this year. Geely sees this as a stepping stone to enter the world’s second-largest automobile market. According to informed sources, negotiations over Ford potentially obtaining licensing rights to Geely’s technology for the U.S. market have stalled in recent months. The two parties are currently focused on finalizing an agreement for shared technology and production capabilities in Europe. The report did not disclose the identities of the sources.
In a February report by Bloomberg, Ford was said to have explored the possibility of Geely utilizing a currently underutilized factory owned by Ford in Spain. According to informed sources, these discussions are still ongoing, but there is no mention of any discussion involving the U.S. market at this stage.
As Chinese automakers like Geely and BYD expand globally and establish a foothold in neighboring countries such as Mexico and Canada, the prospect of Chinese carmakers entering the U.S. market is receiving increasing attention. However, Chinese automakers face numerous obstacles, including high tariffs on electric vehicles and technological restrictions—barriers that effectively exclude them.
U.S. auto industry executives view Chinese automakers as a threat to survival, given that these manufacturers produce technologically advanced, low-cost vehicles backed by strong government support. Ford CEO Jim Farley said last week that allowing Chinese automakers to sell cars in the United States would be "devastating" for domestic manufacturers.
On April 13, Farley told Fox News, "We should not let them come into our country." A few days later, speaking exclusively to reporters, Farley stated that U.S. government and industry leaders need to "really figure out our policy" and determine how Chinese automakers might eventually gain access to the American market.
Farley emphasized, "The most critical moment is before we take quick action—whether producing locally or importing from China—making sure we have a plan," adding, "We are right at that moment now."
Trump administration officials appear unwilling to eliminate current barriers to Chinese vehicle access. Earlier this month, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick rejected the possibility of Chinese investment in the American auto industry, stating, "We won’t let them come here."
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1863491368114180/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.