Xiaomi denies Ford joint venture talks report

Chinese technology giant Xiaomi has categorically denied reports suggesting the company was in talks with Ford Motor Company about a potential electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing joint venture in the United States.

“This report about a joint venture with Ford Motor Company is completely false,” Xiaomi said in a social media post. “Xiaomi does not sell its products and services in the United States and is not negotiating with any companies to do so.”

Ford has also rejected the claims outright, with the Detroit-based automaker stating: “This story is completely false. There is no truth to it.”

The denials follow a Financial Times report citing four unnamed sources claiming Ford had held preliminary talks with Xiaomi about establishing a joint venture to build EVs in the US. The report also suggested Ford had spoken with BYD and other Chinese manufacturers about potential cooperation.

This report about a joint venture with Ford Motor Company is completely false. Xiaomi does not sell its products and services in the United States and is not negotiating with any companies to do so.https://t.co/fc0C2IEtN7

— Xiaomi (@Xiaomi) February 2, 2026

Political concerns over Chinese partnerships

Any such partnership would face significant political opposition in Washington. Republican House China committee chair John Moolenaar told the Financial Times that Ford would “be turning its back on American and allied partners, and it will make our country further dependent on China.”

“Joint ventures with Chinese companies frequently end poorly for American companies, and this new one would be a deal only Xi Jinping could love,” Moolenaar said.

The US has imposed substantial trade barriers on Chinese automotive imports, with the Biden administration introducing 100% tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles in 2024. President Donald Trump has maintained those tariffs alongside restrictions on Chinese software and hardware in internet-connected vehicles.

Xiaomi surprised the global automotive industry with its high-profile EV launch in 2024, adding to competitive pressure from Chinese manufacturers scaling up globally with lower-cost electric and hybrid models. The company’s core business remains consumer electronics.

Ford chief executive Jim Farley has previously described Chinese carmakers as an “existential threat” to Western manufacturers, saying they had enough capacity in China alone to “put us all out of business.”

While Chinese EV brands face significant barriers entering the US market, several have established strong presences in other markets including New Zealand, where companies like BYD have built dealer networks and achieved notable sales volumes. Xiaomi does not currently sell vehicles in the New Zealand market.