Bill Ford Says Carmakers Need to Tackle China Head On, Even if They'd Rather Not

Bill Ford said U.S. automakers must confront China directly as Chinese vehicles expand globally, even if exclusionary measures seem easier. Speaking at an Axios event in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, the Ford executive chairman urged the U.S. to “go toe-to-toe with China,” arguing the U.S. cannot keep Chinese brands out forever and must compete with them on their terms. His comments contrast with Ford CEO Jim Farley’s earlier view from April that the U.S. “should not let them into our country,” citing concerns about subsidies. Ford is also a member of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which backs the Connected Vehicle Security Act by Senators Bernie Moreno and Elissa Slotkin, aimed at banning China-built cars and technologies. The debate follows Volkswagen threats to adjust operations if tariff or market access issues persist. Ford pointed to a longer industrial lead time and discussed industrial policy as a bipartisan approach. The company is responding with product plans including a $30,000 electric pickup.