In a letter to Ford CEO Jim Farley, Duffy expressed “deep concern” about the US automaker’s ties to Chinese companies. As InsideEVs reports, the US Secretary of Transportation has urged Ford to reconsider its collaborations with companies from the People’s Republic. In addition to the partnership with Geely and the continued production of certain Lincoln models in China, the criticism is primarily directed at the cooperation with CATL.
At the BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, Ford will use licensed technology from the Chinese battery manufacturer to produce LFP cells. In his letter, Duffy described himself as “deeply alarmed” by the continued dependence on CATL technology. Chinese suppliers, and CATL in particular, are among the leading players in the production of LFP batteries.
Ford has rejected the criticism. The manufacturer emphasises that the Michigan plant is fully owned by Ford, controlled by the automaker, and operated by its own employees. The collaboration with CATL involves a limited technology and service agreement – not a joint venture or a production facility under Chinese ownership.
Ford defends its CATL partnership model
The key difference lies in the structure of the deal. Ford will produce the battery cells itself in the US but will rely on CATL’s technology and expertise. The company argues that while other manufacturers continue to import Chinese batteries, Ford is investing in its own US production. The automaker described Duffy’s letter as a misguided attempt to generate headlines.
