America's largest automakers have pushed back against President Donald Trump's initiative to allow Chinese companies to build factories on US soil. An industry council representing Ford, General Motors and Stellantis warned of the risk of unfair competition, according to infohub.kz.
The White House chief had earlier said he would not object to Chinese automakers building plants in the United States. He said the key condition should be the hiring of American workers. Trump drew a parallel with Japanese manufacturers, which already produce cars on American soil.
The position of Ford, General Motors and Stellantis was voiced by Matt Blunt, head of the American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC). He noted that Chinese automakers benefit from state support, currency policy features and other non-market mechanisms. In his view, allowing Chinese companies into the American market without eliminating these factors could harm local automakers, workers and industrial communities.
The situation is complicated by the fact that US authorities had previously criticized Ford for cooperating with China's CATL and Geely. In September, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also urged Ford to reduce its dependence on Chinese technology and manufacturing.
Competition from Chinese automakers is already visible in neighboring markets. In Mexico, brands from China account for about 20% of the new car market. Canada is also preparing to allow limited imports of Chinese-made cars at reduced tariffs.
Analytical firm AlixPartners forecasts that by 2030 Chinese brands could control up to 30% of the global auto market.
Earlier, Kursiv Auto reported that Hyundai raised the alarm over the possible growth of Chinese electric vehicles and hybrids in the US.