House Republicans query Ford on Michigan EV battery plant linked to China.
House Republicans Question Ford Motor Company’s Electric Vehicle Battery Factory Project in Michigan
House Republicans are raising concerns about the Ford Motor Company’s electric vehicle battery factory project in Michigan and its ties to China.
Members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce sent a letter to Ford CEO James Farley on September 1, requesting information about the company’s partnership with Chinese company Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL). The partnership, established in February, has faced criticism from lawmakers who worry about national security implications.
“While Ford has labeled this project a ‘commitment to American manufacturing’ and asserts it will create 2,500 new American jobs, we are concerned that Ford’s partnership with a Chinese company could aid China’s efforts to expand its control over United States electric vehicle supply chains and jeopardize national security by furthering dependence on China,” the letter said.
The letter also referenced Virginia Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin’s move to prevent a similar partnership between Ford and CATL in his state before the Michigan partnership was announced.
“While Ford is an iconic American company, it became clear that this proposal would serve as a front for the Chinese Communist party, which could compromise our economic security and Virginians’ personal privacy,” said Youngkin spokeswoman Macaulay Porter.
In addition, the Republicans highlighted concerns about CATL potentially halting work on the project if tensions between the U.S. and China escalate, leaving Ford in a difficult position to source batteries for its vehicles. They also questioned the employment situation at the plant currently under construction in Marshall, Michigan.
“Additionally, Members learned at this hearing that Chinese companies often supply their own workers to projects in Latin America and Africa, reinforcing fears that CATL will import workers for this facility rather than creating jobs for United States workers,” the letter stated.
The GOP lawmakers requested a copy of the licensing agreement between Ford and CATL, as well as any communications from Ford regarding federal incentives for the project.
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“We seek to learn more about whether this partnership, and others like it, will potentially exacerbate our reliance on China. Should China gain control of domestic electric vehicle production, the United States would be exposed to serious national security risks at a time of escalating geopolitical tensions,” the Republicans expressed.
Given the increased scrutiny on business relations between the U.S. and China, particularly regarding intellectual property theft and national security concerns, this issue holds significant importance.
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