Ford CEO Jim Farley stated at the Automotive News Congress on September 29 that European markets have effectively lost their competitive edge against Chinese automakers. He noted that Chinese brands have seen their market share in Europe grow from a small presence in 2020 to high single digits by the mid-2020s, a trend that continues to accelerate despite recent EU trade measures.
Farley emphasized that the United States still has an opportunity to determine its own approach to Chinese competition. He advocated for a deliberate policy process rather than an immediate ban. The CEO highlighted that Ford is balancing its strategy by competing with Chinese firms while simultaneously forming partnerships, such as the joint venture with Geely to produce electric vehicles in Spain starting in 2027.
The company aims to leverage Chinese expertise in regions like Europe and Southeast Asia to improve capital efficiency. Meanwhile, in the US, Ford is developing its Universal EV platform for the Fathom, a midsize electric pickup scheduled for release in 2027. These efforts occur as Washington lawmakers debate new tariffs and restrictions on Chinese automotive investment and technology imports.
