New York: U.S. automaker Ford Motor Company has publicly rejected recent media reports suggesting it held talks with Chinese electronics and electric vehicle (EV) maker Xiaomi about forming a joint venture to produce EVs in the United States a claim that stirred conversation about cross-border collaborations in one of the world’s most competitive and politically charged industries.
According to a Financial Times report, anonymous sources familiar with the discussions said Ford and Xiaomi explored a partnership that could involve manufacturing electric vehicles on U.S. soil as part of both companies’ strategies to strengthen their positions in the rapidly evolving EV market. However, Ford categorically denied that such talks took place, describing the reports as “completely false.” Neither Ford nor Xiaomi immediately offered additional comments to Reuters.
The speculation about a potential Ford-Xiaomi tie-up came at a moment when legacy automakers are reconsidering their EV strategies amid fluctuating demand and geopolitical pressures. Ford has been reported to scale back some of its ambitious EV plans, incurring significant financial charges and shifting greater emphasis toward hybrid models and gasoline-powered vehicles. This strategic adjustment reflects broader industry challenges as manufacturers adapt to slower battery-electric vehicle sales and seek more sustainable paths to profitability.
Ford has also been in talks with other Chinese firms on automotive components. For example, discussions are ongoing with battery giant BYD to potentially secure battery supplies for hybrid models outside the United States, while Ford continues to collaborate with Chinese partner CATL on licensed technology for its Michigan battery plant. These engagements illustrate how global supply chains in the auto industry remain interconnected, even as debates over national security and economic competitiveness intensify.
In Washington, any suggestion of a U.S. automaker forging deeper ties with a Chinese EV company stirs political scrutiny. Republican lawmakers have voiced concerns that such moves could create vulnerabilities in strategic sectors like electric vehicles, potentially giving Chinese firms an foothold in the American industrial landscape. Recent inquiries have included scrutiny of Ford’s engagements involving Chinese battery and EV partners.
Nevertheless, Chinese EV makers such as Xiaomi are rapidly expanding their reach. Xiaomi’s EV division delivered strong results in 2025 and has set ambitious targets for 2026, aiming to nearly double deliveries as it solidifies its presence in one of the world’s largest automotive markets. These expansions have broadened the influence of Chinese technology and manufacturing in global automotive ecosystems.
The episode highlights the tension at the heart of the global EV revolution: legacy carmakers must balance technological innovation, supply chain partnerships, and geopolitical risk as they navigate a landscape increasingly shaped by competition from Chinese manufacturers.
While Ford’s denial of the Xiaomi partnership claims may quell immediate controversy, the broader conversation about international cooperation and competition in electric mobility is far from over. As automakers respond to shifting consumer demand, regulatory environments, and technological disruption, the interplay between global markets and national policy will continue to shape the future of the EV industry.