Overview
- Ford announced the plan on Wednesday, Aug. 12, to boost domestic Lincoln production and phase out imports from its Changan–Ford joint venture in China starting in 2030.
- The decision is driven mainly by a combined 52.5% U.S. duty on the China-built Lincoln Nautilus that erased its cost advantage and by regulatory risk from the Connected Vehicle Rule.
- After talks with the Commerce Department, Ford said the Nautilus no longer needs special authorization to remain on sale in the U.S., resolving a separate short-term regulatory hurdle.
- Ford expects the reshoring to create “thousands” of direct and indirect U.S. jobs but has not named the plants, specified which models will move, or disclosed investment amounts.
- The move follows a wider industry shift, including GM’s plan to bring Buick Envision production to the U.S. for 2028, and leaves tariffs on current imports in place until onshore output begins.