Ford is facing renewed scrutiny over its China partnerships after CEO Jim Farley met with Chinese government officials to discuss collaboration with Jiangling Motors Group, shortly after U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized the automaker’s ties to China.
Ford Expands Its Jiangling Partnership
Farley met with Chinese government officials in Nanchang earlier this month to discuss the collaboration with Jiangling Motors Group, according to Automotive News. Jiangling announced the meeting on the Chinese social media platform WeChat on September 2.
During the meeting, Farley spoke of “fully leveraging each other’s strengths, staying attuned to development trends and sharing growth opportunities.” He also expressed his wish “to jointly expand into international markets.”
The meeting came one day after the joint venture completed production of approximately 1,000 Ford Transit City electric vans destined for Europe.
The partnership between Ford and Jiangling is not new. It was established in 1995 and involves vehicle manufacturing, distribution to global markets, and the development of new platforms and powertrains.
Vehicles exported through Jiangling Motors include the Ranger pickup, Transit van and Territory crossover. Ford’s exports resulting from its China ventures are currently at record highs, reaching 184,000 vehicles sent to more than 80 countries last year.
Ford’s Broader China Ties Face Scrutiny
The latest developments come after Duffy criticized Ford’s partnership with battery manufacturer CATL and its plans to continue producing the Lincoln Nautilus in China until 2030.
Ford responded by describing Duffy’s accusations as “a wrongheaded attempt to capture headlines.”
Still, the automaker has continued pursuing collaborations with Chinese companies abroad. In July, Ford struck a deal with Geely to build cars together at Ford’s plant in Valencia, Spain.
The moves come as Ford describes itself as “the most American automaker,” while maintaining partnerships with Chinese entities in international markets.
Ford Balances U.S. Investment and Global Operations
Ford’s announcement of a billion-dollar investment in a painting facility in Kentucky came shortly after Duffy’s criticism. It is unknown whether the announcement had been planned in advance or was crafted as a response to Duffy to highlight Ford’s investments in America.
What is clear is that Ford is balancing its commitment to the Trump administration in the United States with its global operations and partnerships, including its existing relationships with Chinese companies.
Ford continues to pursue deals with Chinese partners abroad while maintaining its focus on investments in the U.S., leaving its global strategy closely tied to changing circumstances beyond the company’s control.
