Core Viewpoint - Ford is deepening its collaboration with CATL to produce energy storage batteries in the U.S., amidst political scrutiny and competition concerns from other American automakers [1][3][5]. Group 1: Collaboration Details - Ford is the first partner of CATL to establish a factory in the U.S. for low-cost lithium iron phosphate electric vehicle batteries, with production expected to start in Michigan [3]. - A new subsidiary, Ford Energy, has been established to focus on battery storage, leveraging CATL's technology [3][6]. - Ford plans to convert a battery factory in Kentucky to produce storage batteries, aiming to supply large AI data centers and offset losses from its electric vehicle transition [3][5]. Group 2: Political and Competitive Landscape - The U.S. House's "China Committee" is pressuring Ford for more details on its collaboration with CATL, citing concerns over national security and supply chain independence [4][5]. - Some U.S. lawmakers and competitors are worried that Ford's existing agreements with CATL may provide it with an unfair competitive advantage due to federal tax credits [5][6]. - The "Big and Beautiful Act," promoted by Trump, allows Ford to continue receiving federal subsidies for existing agreements with "restricted foreign entities" until July 2025, despite new restrictions on future agreements [5][6]. Group 3: Industry Reactions - Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, has expressed intentions to reduce reliance on Chinese components to mitigate supply chain risks while acknowledging the competitive landscape posed by Chinese automakers [7]. - The American automotive industry, represented by the Automotive Innovation Alliance, has raised alarms about the perceived threat from Chinese automakers and urged the government to prevent their establishment in the U.S. [7][8].

公开信息显示，福特是宁德时代以技术授权方式合作建厂的首个合作对象，双方于2023年达成首次合 作，计划在美国密歇根州马歇尔市的一家工厂生产低成本磷酸铁锂电动汽车电池，该工厂预计于今年正 式投产。 【文/观察者网 阮佳琪】 对此，福特方面回应表示，"在美国扩大磷酸铁锂电池生产，不仅是对能源安全的投资，也是对美国工 人的投资。每一座新工厂都意味着新增数千个高技能制造业岗位，以及更强劲的地方经济。" 已经远远落后于人的美国老牌汽车制造商，就指望着搭上中国合作伙伴的便车，挤入电动汽车赛道，偏 偏老被自家人拖后腿。 据《金融时报》29日报道，美国汽车三巨头之一的福特汽车决定深化与全球最大电池制造商宁德时代 （CATL）的合作，依据双方现有合作协议，利用此前已获授权的宁德时代技术新建设施，专门生产储 能电池。 消息一出，众议院臭名昭著的"美中战略竞争特别委员会"（下称"中国委员会"）又坐不住了，翻炒所 谓"中国威胁论"，施压福特披露更多合作细节。 月13日，特朗普在福特首席执行官吉姆·法利等人陪同下，视察福特生产中心。视频截图 以这项合作为基础，当地时间周二，福特宣布成立全新电池储能子公司"福特能源"（Ford Ener ...