Overview
- The Department of Transportation sent a two‑page letter dated September 3 that was released to the press the week of Sept. 8–9 expressing “profound concern” about Ford’s ties to Chinese firms and urging the company to reduce strategic dependencies.
- DOT singled out Ford’s licensed use of CATL battery technology at BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall, Michigan, noting CATL appears on a Pentagon list of companies linked to China’s military.
- The letter also criticized Ford’s joint venture with Geely in Spain, reported talks with BYD on hybrid components, and the company’s plan to move some Lincoln production to the U.S. only by about 2030.
- Ford issued an immediate, forceful rebuttal saying the Marshall plant is Ford‑owned and operated, describing the CATL deal as a limited technology‑licensing and services agreement, and calling the letter a “wrongheaded attempt to capture headlines.”
- Markets and lawmakers reacted quickly: Ford shares fell about 4.2% the day the letter was made public, and the note increases pressure on Congress and regulators that are considering tighter limits on Chinese vehicle and technology links.