Ford Motor(US:F) Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-10-13 08:13Core Insights - Foreign executives, including Ford's CEO, expressed astonishment at China's technological advancements during their visit to smart manufacturing factories [1][3] - The visit highlighted China's superior production costs and automotive quality compared to Western factories, prompting some executives to reconsider their internal production plans [3][5] Group 1: Technological Advancements - Ford's CEO Jim Farley was impressed by innovations in autonomous driving, artificial intelligence, and facial recognition technology in Chinese factories [3] - The president of Fortescue Metals Group, Andrew Forrest, noted the efficiency of Chinese assembly lines, which are largely automated and operated by robots [3] Group 2: Workforce and Innovation - The CEO of Octopus Energy, Greg Jackson, remarked on the shift from reliance on government subsidies and cheap labor to a workforce of highly skilled engineers driving innovation in China [5] - The International Federation of Robotics reported a significant increase in the number of industrial robots in China, from 189,000 in 2014 to over 2 million by 2024 [5] Group 3: Global Competitiveness - Despite the large population being cited as a reason for China's achievements, data shows that China's robot usage per capita surpasses that of the US, Germany, and the UK [5] - The chief economist of the European Centre for Reform emphasized the need for the West to invest in robotics technology to keep pace with China's innovation [5]