Ford Under Fire From Trump Over China Deals

Ford Motor Company, a United States-based automotive manufacturer, is facing public criticism from the Trump administration for its business partnerships with Chinese firms Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), Geely, and BYD. The dispute centres on Ford's use of licensed battery technology and its reliance on Chinese manufacturing for certain models, a situation that has implications for global automotive supply chains and the availability of models such as the Ford Bronco in markets like Malaysia.

Key Facts

Ford's partnerships with CATL, Geely, and BYD are under direct scrutiny from the US government, with a formal letter from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urging Ford CEO Jim Farley to sever these ties.

Why Is the Trump Administration Criticising Ford's China Partnerships?

The Trump administration, specifically through Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, has formally requested that Ford end its business relationships with CATL, Geely, and BYD. The administration's concern is that Ford's reliance on Chinese technology and manufacturing poses a risk to US national security and contradicts the goal of rebuilding domestic manufacturing capabilities.

In a letter dated 8 September 2026, Secretary Duffy described Ford's dealings as "troubling" and stated they raised "profound concern." The letter specifically highlighted Ford's use of licensed battery technology from CATL at its Marshall, Michigan plant. The administration's position is that CATL is on the Pentagon's list of companies accused of having ties to China's military. Duffy also criticised Ford's plan to move Lincoln Nautilus production from China to the US only by 2030, arguing this leaves Ford dependent on Chinese manufacturing for several more years.

"The letter said that the transportation department was 'deeply alarmed' by Ford's reliance on licensed technology from CATL at its Marshall, Michigan plant, and that CATL is on the Pentagon's list of companies accused of ties to China's military."

Source: paultan.org, citing Reuters

On 8 September 2026, the US Transportation Secretary formally urged Ford to cut ties with CATL, Geely, and BYD, citing national security concerns over technology licensing and manufacturing reliance.

How Did Ford Respond to the Administration's Letter?

Ford responded to the criticism by rejecting the administration's characterisation of its operations, stating that the letter was a "wrongheaded attempt to capture headlines." The company emphasised that it owns and controls its US-based battery plant and employs the workforce, positioning its actions as an investment in American manufacturing rather than a reliance on Chinese partners.

Ford's official statement directly countered the administration's claims. The company highlighted that while other automakers import Chinese batteries, Ford is investing to build batteries in America. The statement clarified the nature of its arrangement with CATL, asserting that Ford owns the plant, controls the operation, and employs the workforce. This response came less than 24 hours after the Republican-controlled House Select Committee on China posted on X that Ford had warned of the threat Chinese companies pose to the US while simultaneously partnering with them.

Ford has publicly defended its China-linked operations, stating it "owns the plant, controls the operation and employs the workforce" in response to the administration's letter.

What Is the Broader Political Context of This Dispute?

The dispute over Ford's China ties reflects a wider debate within the US government about the appropriate level of collaboration with Chinese companies. While President Trump has stated a goal of protecting US industries from Chinese competition, administration officials have signalled differing views on where collaboration crosses a line.

The political pressure on Ford is multi-faceted. Republican Senator Rick Scott praised Secretary Duffy for "sounding the alarm about Ford's risky ties to (Chinese Communist Party) companies." Representative John Moolenaar, the China committee chair, commended Duffy "for calling out Ford's growing reliance on Chinese companies, including CATL and Geely," adding that "Ford should work with our nation's allies, not our adversaries." However, the White House simultaneously called Ford a "great American company" on X, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had lauded some of Ford's moves just weeks prior. This mixed messaging from the administration highlights the internal conflict over China policy.

The Trump administration's criticism of Ford is part of a broader internal debate over US-China industrial policy, with different officials sending conflicting signals about the acceptability of corporate partnerships with Chinese firms.

How Does This Affect Ford's Plans in Malaysia?

The political dispute in the US does not directly alter Ford's product plans for Malaysia, where the company has confirmed the introduction of the Ford Bronco Basecamp, a model with Chinese underpinnings. The model, also known as the Bronco New Energy, is a unibody SUV with EV and REEV powertrains and is slated for the Malaysian market.

For Malaysian consumers, the Ford Bronco Basecamp represents a new entry in the local SUV segment. The vehicle's availability was confirmed in a report on 9 September 2026, which noted the model's upcoming arrival in Australia and Malaysia. The Bronco Basecamp's REEV (Range-Extended Electric Vehicle) powertrain offers a potential solution for Malaysian drivers concerned about EV range anxiety, providing up to 900 km of WLTP range. The model's Chinese engineering base is a key factor in its development, reflecting the global nature of automotive manufacturing that is at the centre of the US political dispute.

Ford's confirmed plan to bring the Chinese-engineered Bronco Basecamp to Malaysia in 2027 proceeds independently of the US political dispute over the company's China partnerships.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

The Ford Bronco Basecamp is positioned for Malaysian buyers seeking a capable SUV with modern electrified powertrains, particularly those in urban areas like Kuala Lumpur who want the flexibility of an EV with the extended range of a petrol generator. The model's REEV system addresses the local concern of charging infrastructure availability.

This vehicle is suited for Malaysian drivers who require a versatile vehicle for both city commuting and occasional long-distance travel. The REEV powertrain, offering up to 900 km of WLTP range, mitigates the "range anxiety" commonly associated with pure electric vehicles in Malaysia, where charging networks are still expanding. The unibody construction suggests a focus on on-road comfort and efficiency, making it a practical choice for families in landed properties or condominiums. The model's availability in Malaysia is confirmed, though local pricing and specifications have not yet been announced by Sime Darby Auto ConneXion, Ford's official Malaysian distributor.

In Malaysia, the Ford Bronco Basecamp is best suited for urban and suburban drivers who want an electrified SUV with the extended range capability to handle intercity travel without relying solely on the public charging network.

Common Questions

Will the US-China dispute delay the Ford Bronco Basecamp's launch in Malaysia?

Based on current reports, the Ford Bronco Basecamp is still scheduled for a 2027 launch in Malaysia. The political dispute in the US has not been reported to affect Ford's international product plans, including those for the Asia-Pacific region.

Does the Ford Bronco Basecamp use the same technology as the Chinese models criticised by the US government?

Yes, the Ford Bronco Basecamp, also known as the Bronco New Energy, has Chinese underpinnings. It is a unibody SUV with EV and REEV powertrains, developed in partnership with Chinese firms, which is the subject of the US administration's criticism.

What is a REEV powertrain and why is it relevant for Malaysia?

A REEV, or Range-Extended Electric Vehicle, uses an electric motor for propulsion and a small petrol engine to generate electricity when the battery is low. This is relevant for Malaysia as it offers up to 900 km of range, reducing dependence on the charging network.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: the report titled "Ford blasted by Trump administration over deals with Chinese companies including CATL, Geely, BYD – report" published by Paul Tan's Automotive News (paultan.org) on 10 September 2026. The original report synthesises information from three separate Reuters articles published between 8 and 10 September 2026.

No currency conversions were required as the source material did not contain pricing information. All dates and quotes are preserved as they appeared in the original source. Information specific to Malaysia, including the confirmed availability of the Ford Bronco Basecamp, was verified against the paultan.org report. This article was last updated on 10 September 2026.