Ford CEO Jim Farley Criticized for Driving Chinese-Made Electric Vehicle

Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, recently disclosed that he drives a $30,000 electric sedan named the Xiaomi SU7, which he had flown in from Shanghai, China. This admission has sparked criticism from various quarters, with some labeling it as a ‘slap in the face’ to Ford employees.

Farley, who has held his position at Ford since October 2020, expressed his enthusiasm for the Xiaomi SU7 during an interview on The Fully Charged Podcast. He stated that he appreciates the car and sees no reason to switch to a vehicle manufactured in the United States.

In his words, "I don’t like talking about the competition so much, but I drive the Xiaomi," indicating his admiration for the Chinese automaker, which is renowned for its electronics, including smartphones.

The Xiaomi SU7 was introduced in December 2023 and is noted as the first electric vehicle released by Xiaomi, which is the largest smartphone seller globally. Despite its success in China, the SU7 is not available for purchase in the U.S. due to a hefty 100% tariff on electric vehicles made in China, which makes importing them cost-prohibitive.

Despite his excitement about the Xiaomi, critics like Jason Isaac from the American Energy Institute have pointed out the problematic nature of Farley’s choice. He mentioned that Farley’s preference for a foreign vehicle, especially while Ford benefits from substantial American taxpayer subsidies for domestic electric vehicle production, is concerning.

“At a time when Ford is receiving billions of dollars in subsidies from American taxpayers to support domestic EV production, it is deeply troubling that the company’s chief executive would choose a Chinese product over an American vehicle his own company manufactures,” Isaac commented.

Farley praised Xiaomi as an “industry juggernaut” and a brand much stronger than traditional car companies. However, several factors contribute to why Xiaomi has not broken into the U.S. market effectively, including regulatory safety standards and compatibility with U.S. charging systems.

Additionally, the U.S. government has implemented restrictions against several Chinese tech companies, partly due to national security concerns. Notably, President Biden’s administration had previously removed Xiaomi from a government blacklist related to concerns over ties with the Chinese military.

Interestingly, although Ford produces battery-powered vehicles, including the all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck, Farley has opted for a foreign alternative. The situation also reflects a larger narrative where American companies face pressure regarding investments in Chinese firms suspected of aiding the Chinese military.

Industry peers, such as Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk, have also commented. Musk has expressed reservations about tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, citing a potential threat to global competition. He has mentioned that without these trade barriers, Chinese automakers might significantly outperform their global rivals.

With the growing competitiveness of companies like BYD, a Chinese automaker that has attracted significant investment from individuals like Warren Buffett, the landscape for electric vehicles continues to evolve.

Ford, Electric, Xiaomi