Reports that Ford discussed forming a joint venture with Xiaomi to manufacture electric vehicles in the United States were denied by both companies after publication by the Financial Times. The claim, attributed to people familiar with the matter, was followed by statements from Ford and Xiaomi denying any such talks, drawing attention to potential cooperation between Chinese automakers and US manufacturers amid ongoing regulatory restrictions on Chinese automotive activity in the US market.
According to Aastocks, Xiaomi stated that reports about negotiations with Ford on a joint venture were false and that the company has not conducted such discussions. Xiaomi also said it does not currently sell products or services in the United States. Ford issued a similar response, describing the report as completely untrue and without factual basis, a position confirmed by a Reuters report citing Ford’s denial of the Financial Times claim.
The Financial Times reported that four people familiar with the matter said Ford had held preliminary discussions with Xiaomi about potential cooperation that could lead to electric-vehicle production in the United States. The report also stated that Ford had communicated with BYD and other Chinese automakers regarding potential cooperation in the US market. These claims were not confirmed by either company.
Public statements by Ford executives have previously highlighted interest in Chinese electric vehicle technology. Ford Chief Executive Officer Jim Farley has publicly praised Chinese electric vehicles and imported a Xiaomi SU7 for personal use. He has also warned that Chinese competitors pose a significant threat to Western automakers and has said Chinese companies are likely to enter the US market.
The broader policy environment in the United States has become increasingly restrictive toward Chinese automotive products and technologies. The US government has imposed tariffs on imported Chinese vehicles and maintained restrictions on Chinese software and hardware used in connected vehicles. US lawmakers have also expressed concern about cooperation between US automakers and Chinese technology companies, while Ford has entered a licensing agreement with CATL to use battery technology in US production.
Xiaomi entered the automotive sector with the launch of its first electric vehicle model in 2024, expanding from its core consumer electronics business into the passenger car market. Chinese automakers, including BYD, have expanded sales in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, with increasing localized production in those regions.
The denials by Xiaomi and Ford confirm that no joint-venture negotiations are currently underway between the two companies for electric-vehicle production in the United States.
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