US Transport Chief Slams Ford Over Chinese Technology

Washington: (News Desk) – US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has criticized Ford Motor Company over its use of Chinese technology and partnerships, accusing the automaker of increasing its reliance on Chinese firms.

In a letter to Ford CEO Jim Farley, published on the Department of Transportation’s website, Duffy said the company’s recent strategic decisions raised concerns about the future of a major American automaker becoming increasingly connected with Chinese state-backed businesses.

Duffy specifically objected to Ford’s use of technology from Chinese battery maker CATL at its BlueOval Battery Park facility in Marshall, Michigan. He argued that relying on Chinese technology could undermine US efforts to strengthen national and economic security and build more independent supply chains.

The transportation secretary also pointed to Ford’s other business ties with Chinese companies, including its joint venture with Geely in Spain. He further criticized the company’s plan to wait until 2030 before moving production of certain Lincoln models from China back to the United States.

Duffy said companies that deliberately deepen their operational dependence on strategic competitors risk failing to meet the expectations of the US government and American consumers.

Ford rejected the criticism, calling Duffy’s letter “wrongheaded” and saying it contained factual inaccuracies about the company’s operations.

The automaker said its arrangement with CATL is a limited technology-licensing and services agreement rather than a joint venture or foreign-owned manufacturing operation. Ford stressed that it owns the Michigan facility, controls its operations and employs its workforce.

Ford also highlighted support it has received from other members of the Trump administration. The White House recently praised the company’s $3 billion investment in the Marshall battery plant, which is expected to create around 1,700 jobs.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also recently praised Ford’s efforts to bring more manufacturing back to the United States, underscoring the differing views within the administration over the automaker’s China-related business ties.