Ford CEO Jim Farley informed employees that the company is currently making preparations for Chinese automakers to arrive on American shores within five to 10 years. The warning came during a recent closed town hall meeting attended by Ford employees, according to an Automotive News report based on the account of three individuals in attendance.
The statement from Farley comes despite the growing list of trade barriers aimed at preventing Chinese automakers from importing or selling their vehicles in the United States. Despite American pushback, Chinese automakers continue to gain market share around the globe, with sales numbers increasing in Europe. They are also becoming more commonplace in our bordering countries, gaining significant popularity in Mexico, and earning a deal to sell a limited number of electric vehicles in Canada.
View Price on AmazonThe warning also arrives as Ford continues to develop its new affordable electric pickup, which is expected to be sized similarly to the Ford Maverick compact truck, start around $30,000, and enter production sometime next year. The truck, expected to be named Ranchero, will eventually be joined by a variety of other low-cost electric vehicles built on the same Universal EV platform.
According to the report, Farley said it is more likely that Chinese automakers begin arriving in the later stages of that timeframe, rather than the earlier stages. The Ford executive has been vocal in recent years about the competency shown by Chinese automakers, suggesting that they pose a genuine value threat to established American brands.
Source: caranddriver.com
