Ford Is Partnering With A Chinese Automaker, Just Not In America

Ford Finds a New Ally

Canada and Mexico have opened their markets, to varying degrees, to Chinese automakers, but the U.S. remains reluctant. If that changes, American legacy brands could face stiffer competition – and potentially lose market share – to Chinese automakers offering affordable vehicles without sacrificing too much in features and technology.

Over in Europe, something similar is already happening. Ford recently announced a joint venture with Geely centered on the Blue Oval brand’s Valencia plant in Spain. Ford will gain a cheaper and more sustainable way to keep the factory running, while Geely...