Ford Motor(US:F) 鑫椤锂电·2025-06-13 08:03Core Insights - EcoPro BM, a South Korean battery materials manufacturer, announced a suspension of its CAD 1.2 billion (approximately RMB 6.3 billion) battery materials factory project in Quebec, Canada, due to uncertainties in the electric vehicle and battery industry, compounded by challenges from U.S. tariff policies [1][2] Group 1: Company Overview - EcoPro BM specializes in the production of lithium battery cathode materials and is a subsidiary of EcoPro, established in May 2016. Its main products include NCA and NCM cathode materials [1] - The Quebec factory was a joint investment by EcoPro BM, SK On, and Ford, with plans to produce 45,000 tons of nickel-cobalt-manganese battery cathode active materials annually, sufficient to supply approximately 225,000 Ford electric vehicles [1] Group 2: Project Developments - The factory was initially scheduled to begin production in the first half of 2026, but faced delays due to issues in selecting a construction contractor, leading to a temporary suspension in April 2024, which was later resumed [1] - In August 2024, the factory was halted again for "factory redesign," indicating ongoing uncertainties surrounding the project [1][2] Group 3: Market Context - Ford, as both an investor and potential customer, withdrew its investment in November 2024, further increasing uncertainty regarding the factory's future [2] - In April 2024, Ford had already delayed the production timeline for its electric SUVs from 2025 to 2027, citing slower-than-expected growth in electric vehicle demand [2] - In July 2024, Ford announced a shift in its Canadian factory's production focus from electric vehicles to gasoline-powered versions of its flagship F-series trucks [2]