Ford Denies Reported Talks With Xiaomi Over U.S. EV Production

Ford has explored early-stage discussions with Chinese tech giant Xiaomi about a potential electric vehicle partnership in the United States, according to a report from the Financial Times, though Ford has denied the claim. The talks, if pursued, would have examined producing Xiaomi-branded EVs in the U.S. amid growing global attention on Chinese electric vehicles.

Report says Ford explored Xiaomi EV partnership

Ford Motor Company has held preliminary discussions with Xiaomi about a possible joint venture to manufacture electric vehicles in the United States, the Financial Times reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The discussions were described as exploratory, with no agreement on structure or timing.

According to the report, Ford has also spoken with other Chinese automakers, including BYD, about potential U.S. collaborations. Ford, however, disputed the report, stating that the story was “completely false.” Xiaomi did not respond to a request for comment, while BYD declined to comment.

Xiaomi entered the automotive sector in 2021 and launched its first EV, the SU7, in March 2024. The sedan competes in the same segment as the Tesla Model 3 and has drawn attention for its performance and pricing in China, according to CNEV Post.

Political and trade barriers loom over any deal

Xiaomi has seen rapid growth since launching its first model, delivering 135,000 vehicles in 2024 and more than 411,000 vehicles in 2025, according to data cited in the report. The company has set a target of 550,000 deliveries in 2026, underscoring ambitions that extend beyond China.

Ford CEO Jim Farley has publicly praised Xiaomi’s vehicles, previously saying he shipped a Xiaomi SU7 from Shanghai to Chicago and continued driving it for months. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has also expressed admiration for Xiaomi EVs.

Any partnership would face steep political and regulatory hurdles. The United States imposed 100% tariffs on imported Chinese-built vehicles starting in 2024, effectively blocking direct market entry. Lawmakers have also raised national security and supply chain concerns. Representative John Moolenaar, chair of the House China committee, told the Financial Times that such a move would increase U.S. dependence on China and undermine American and allied partners.

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