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I have been following with interest the statements made by Jim Farley (Ford CEO) regarding electric cars and the pressure exerted by Chinese manufacturers. His latest comments, made at the Automotive News Congress in Detroit, certainly grabbed everyone's attention.
Farley was very direct: the United States must be "extremely careful" about how Chinese brands enter its market. He cited Europe as an example of what *not* to do; according to him, action wasn't taken in time there, and it is now too late to halt the Chinese advance. He also warned that the window of opportunity for North American manufacturers might not remain open for long.
The pace of change in Europe has been staggering. In 2020, Chinese brands had virtually no presence in Europe. Today, they account for around 12% of the European market, with approximately 97,000 registrations in August 2026 alone—more than double the figure from the previous year.
And it is not just Europe. Chinese manufacturers are projected to export around 12 million cars worldwide in 2026.
The US market remains effectively closed to Chinese cars due to high tariffs and a ban on their autonomous driving software. Furthermore, Congress is considering legislation that would prohibit the sale of vehicles from brands with more than 15% Chinese ownership.
Trump has occasionally hinted that he would welcome Chinese manufacturers if they produced vehicles on US soil. However, given how quickly he can change his mind, no one knows how long the current market closure will last.
Interestingly, Ford does not view China solely as a threat. Farley sums it up this way: they will collaborate with Chinese companies in areas where Ford lacks the necessary technology and where such partnerships can improve capital efficiency.
There are two very clear examples:
. Batteries in Michigan: A deal with the Chinese giant CATL to manufacture batteries at a Ford plant in Michigan.
Geely in Valencia: An agreement with Geely to produce the Chinese brand's vehicles at the Almussafes (Spain) plant through a joint venture.
For Spanish manufacturers—and the Valencian Community in particular—this news carries specific implications. The Almussafes plant is seeking new production volume, and a partner like Geely could guarantee both activity and jobs. Of course, the details remain to be seen: volumes, timelines, and investment. Nor can we overlook the job-cut announcements made by companies like Volkswagen and others.
The automotive world is set to undergo a major transformation in the coming years, and today, Chinese manufacturers hold the lead in electric vehicles and batteries. Their models are becoming cheaper and more technologically advanced, and are being produced in greater numbers, intensifying competition month by month.
Paradoxically, Farley is one of the first to admit this. Perhaps that is why his message warrants closer attention: he acknowledges his rival's talent but calls for time and caution before opening the door to them.
A smart strategy or a contradiction? We will continue to monitor how the market evolves.
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