Ford, Xiaomi deny EV partnership talks after discussion report

Ford reportedly held preliminary discussions with Xiaomi about a potential joint venture to produce EVs in the US, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The talks also included other Chinese automakers such as BYD, but Ford has denied any ongoing negotiations.

Xiaomi said that reports of a joint venture are false and that it is not engaged in US negotiations.

Ford has previously imported Xiaomi’s SU7 model for personal use and has expressed concern about Chinese EV competition.

The US government has imposed tariffs and restrictions on Chinese vehicle imports, and some officials have raised national security concerns about Chinese companies operating in the US.

Industry experts warn that collaborations with Chinese firms could pose risks for American automakers and national security.

🔗 Source: Financial Times

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

Rumored talks land amid Ford’s fight over a Chinese partnership

Rumors about discussions with Xiaomi and BYD come while Ford faces political scrutiny over its plan for a Michigan battery plant that uses licensed technology from Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) 1.
Proposed US legislation would remove federal tax credits from projects that use Chinese technology, which could weaken the plants finances 2.
Ford CEO Jim Farley has defended the approach, saying licensing Chinese intellectual property helps Ford learn to build these technologies in the US with American workers 3.
The dispute helps explain the national security warnings and quick denials tied to possible outreach to other Chinese firms 4.

US automakers weigh contested deals against the risk of falling behind

US tariffs set at 100% keep Chinese electric vehicle imports out, leaving domestic automakers under pressure on cost and technology 5.
The Xiaomi SU7 has drawn attention for performance and price as Chinese EV makers stress affordability versus the roughly $50,000 average US new-vehicle transaction price; Ford has also said it would take a $19.5 billion write-down and drop several EV models 6, 7, 8.
That mix pushes some companies toward joint ventures or licensing to build vehicles inside the US tariff wall, even though such structures can still trigger political pushback or limits tied to tax credits 2.
Polling finds 79% of American consumers cite national security concerns about Chinese cars, yet 51% still say they would consider buying one 8.