Ford CEO Says Europe Is ‘Too Late’ to Stop Chinese Rivals
Ford CEO Jim Farley says the United States should look closely at Europe before deciding whether to let Chinese automakers into the American market. Speaking at the Automotive News Congress in Detroit on September 29, he argued that Europe has already missed its opportunity to contain its expansion, while Washington still has time to weigh its approach.
Farley urged policymakers to consider the consequences before opening the market. His warning comes as Ford competes with Chinese manufacturers overseas while working with some of those same companies on production and technology. For the automaker, partnerships and direct competition are both part of the response.
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The figures help explain his concern. GlobalData research shows that Chinese brands’ global market share increased nearly 70% between 2020 and 2025. In Europe, their share reached 12% in August, according to Dataforce, compared with almost no presence in 2020. Those gains show how quickly Chinese manufacturers have expanded beyond their home market.
Farley’s assessment reflects the pressure facing established automakers, but his claim that Europe is “too late” remains his judgment. Their growing presence does not mean Chinese brands control the European market. It does mean companies such as Ford must respond to competitors that are gaining customers while setting new expectations for manufacturing costs and vehicle technology.
Ford’s Chinese Rivals Are Also Their Partners
Ford’s partnership with Geely offers one example. The companies announced a proposed manufacturing joint venture in July at Ford’s Valencia plant in Spain, with Ford holding 66% and Geely 34%. The plan combines production capacity to lower costs and support both companies’ European operations.
Under Ford’s official announcement, the venture is expected to begin operating in the first half of 2027, pending regulatory approval, with new vehicle production scheduled for 2028. The lineup includes a jointly developed Ford crossover, a new Bronco-family vehicle, and two Geely electric SUVs. Existing Kuga production will continue.
Farley also defended working with Chinese companies where Ford lacks expertise or can reduce investment costs. Their relationship with battery manufacturer CATL supports lower-cost battery production at a Michigan plant. “They aren’t mutually exclusive,” he said of cooperation and competition. Ford is also preparing a pickup using their universal electric vehicle platform, which Farley described as part of their competitive response.
Washington Weighs Whether to Open the Market
Those relationships have drawn scrutiny from Washington. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy raised concerns in September about Ford’s dependence on Chinese businesses. Ford defended their domestic manufacturing record. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has indicated openness to Chinese automakers if they build vehicles in the United States, while lawmakers are considering tighter restrictions.
The U.S. market remains largely closed to Chinese vehicles through tariffs and restrictions on Chinese-connected vehicle technology. Farley’s remarks highlight the decision ahead for policymakers and manufacturers alike. Washington must decide what access to allow, while Ford must build vehicles that can compete internationally, even as their partnerships help Chinese companies expand abroad.
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