Ford to move production of some Lincoln models from China to US

DETROIT: Ford Motor plans to shift some Lincoln model production from China to the United States starting in 2030, according to the automaker's CEO, Jim Farley. This decision, which Ford says was unavoidable due to strong US tariffs, will make the US auto manufacturing base stronger. Farley explained that the company decided on this move once the administration's policy was set.

The key vehicle, the Lincoln Nautilus, is subject to a 52.5% duty when imported from China. Ford expects to manufacture these cars domestically and sell them in the US market, marking a significant increase in production. This move comes alongside other restrictions, such as the Connected Vehicle Rule, which prohibits certain Chinese technology and hardware in US models.

Ford was among several companies seeking authorization to continue selling vehicles potentially restricted by this rule, but the company now knows it doesn't need it. The Nautilus, which Ford sold about 34,000 of in the US last year, will no longer require approval as its software is developed in the US and installed domestically.

Ford has already established a production base for Lincoln in the US, with models like the Navigator and Aviator already assembled in Kentucky and Chicago.