A potential partnership between Ford and Chinese automaker Xiaomi could see Xiaomi begin manufacturing vehicles in the United States in the near future, according to a report from the Financial Times. The report states that preliminary talks have taken place between the two companies, exploring the possibility of a joint venture that would enable Xiaomi to establish a manufacturing presence in the US.
However, Ford has denied the reports, stating that its sources are incorrect. Xiaomi has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter.
This development comes as Ford's CEO Jim Farley has expressed his admiration for Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, including Xiaomi. The executive has previously driven a Xiaomi SU7 and acknowledged that American automakers lag behind their global competitors in terms of innovation and technological advancements.
A partnership between Ford and Xiaomi could potentially involve the joint development of new electric vehicle technologies or the collaborative production of entire vehicles, with Ford handling assembly within the US. The exact nature of such a partnership remains unclear at this time.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this potential collaboration unfolds. For now, it appears that Xiaomi's plans for US manufacturing remain uncertain, pending further confirmation from the company itself.