In a recent interview with CNN, Ford Motor Executive Chairman Bill Ford expressed his belief that the United States is not yet adequately prepared to compete with China in the field of electric vehicle (EV) production.
Ford highlighted China’s rapid development and large-scale production of EVs, noting that they have swiftly become major players in the global market and are even exporting their products. He emphasized the need for the United States to be prepared for the arrival of Chinese EV manufacturers in the country.
While Chinese EV companies have yet to establish a significant presence in the American market, Ford acknowledged that it is only a matter of time before they expand their operations to the US. In response to this anticipated competition, Ford underlined the importance of readiness and stated that steps are being taken by the American automotive industry to prepare for future challenges in the EV sector.
Ford’s remarks reflect the recognition within the automotive industry that China has made substantial strides in EV production and is currently ahead in terms of scale and market presence. The comments also underscore the urgency felt by American automakers to enhance their capabilities and stay competitive in the rapidly growing global EV market, where China has emerged as a dominant force.
The recent revelation of Ford Motor’s plan to invest $3.5 billion in building an electric vehicle (EV) battery facility in Michigan has sparked interest, primarily due to its partnership with Chinese battery company CATL. This collaboration has prompted U.S. Senator Marco Rubio to call on the Biden administration to carefully examine the details of the agreement.
Bill Ford clarified that the Michigan battery plant would be owned entirely by Ford and staffed by their employees. The collaboration with CATL would involve licensing their technology for use by Ford engineers. Ford emphasized that the purpose of the partnership was to enable their engineers to learn from the technology and subsequently utilize it independently.
Ford’s clarification aimed to assuage any apprehensions regarding the partnership and underline the company’s commitment to leveraging the opportunity to enhance its EV capabilities. By establishing the battery plant and collaborating with CATL, Ford aims to acquire valuable knowledge and insights that will contribute to their own EV technology advancements and help them stay competitive in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market.
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