Rumors of Xiaomi-Ford Joint Venture for EV Production Denied by Both Parties

[Partnership Rumors] Reports that Xiaomi and Ford were planning to establish a joint venture in the U.S. to manufacture electric vehicles were swiftly denied by both companies.

Core Development: Both sides explicitly deny partnership talks

On February 1, foreign media reported that Ford and Xiaomi had discussed forming an electric vehicle joint venture in the United States. Xiaomi immediately responded, stating it has not sold any products in the U.S. and had never engaged in such negotiations. Ford’s Chief Communications Officer, Mark Truby, also emphasized that the report had no factual basis, with these dual denials effectively ending the speculation.

Strategic Context: A mix of political and transformation pressures

Although Ford CEO Jim Farley has publicly praised Chinese EVs and even driven the Xiaomi SU7, current high U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods and Ford’s own struggles in its EV transition—including discontinuation of key models—make such a partnership unrealistic at present. The rumor reflects Western automakers’ anxiety over China’s rising technological capabilities, yet joint ventures are not the only path for Chinese brands seeking global expansion.