United States Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, has criticised Ford Motor Company over its use of Chinese technology, accusing the Detroit-based automaker of becoming too dependent on Chinese-linked businesses.
Meanwhile, Ford has rejected the criticism, describing it as “wrongheaded.”
In a letter to Ford chief executive Jim Farley posted on the Department of Transportation’s website, Duffy argued that the automaker’s “recent strategic decisions paint a troubling picture of a foundational American brand actively intertwining its future with Chinese state-backed enterprises.”
Duffy said the Department of Transportation (DOT) was “alarmed” by Ford’s use of technology supplied by Chinese battery maker CATL at its BlueOval Battery Park facility in Marshall, Michigan. He said relying on Chinese expertise “challenges the spirit of American national and economic security and supply-chain independence policies.”
The transportation secretary also raised concerns about Ford’s other partnerships with Chinese businesses, including a joint venture with China’s Geely in Spain. He further criticised the company for “delaying” the transfer of Lincoln model production from China to the United States until 2030.
“When a company intentionally chooses to deepen operational dependencies on strategic competitors, it fails to act as the reliable partner the American public and this DOT require,” Duffy said.
Ford, which highlights its position as the leading US automaker in vehicle assembly, disputed Duffy’s allegations, saying his letter “contains factual errors” and inaccurately portrayed its operations.
“Had Secretary Duffy reached out before issuing his letter to the press, we would have been happy to share more details about Ford’s US commitment,” the company said, describing the criticism as “a wrongheaded attempt to capture headlines.”
The automaker said its arrangement with CATL is “a limited technology-licensing and services agreement, not a joint venture or foreign-owned manufacturing operation,” adding: “Ford owns the plant, controls the operation and employs the workforce.”
Ford also highlighted favourable comments about its supply-chain strategy from other members of the Trump administration.
An August 31 White House statement promoting President Donald Trump’s efforts to “deliver manufacturing renaissance to Michigan” cited Ford’s US$3 billion (RM12.1 billion) investment in the Marshall facility, which is expected to generate 1,700 jobs. The statement was issued as Vice President JD Vance visited Michigan.
Ford also referred to remarks made by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during an August appearance on Fox Business, where he praised the company’s efforts. “Ford is going to rock us with bringing manufacturing back to America,” Lutnick said.
