GOP Lawmakers Call for Investigation into Chinese Companies Involved in Ford's Michigan Battery Plant

Concerns Raised Over Ties to Chinese Military, Communist Party, and Alleged Human Rights Abuses; Ford CEO Requests Chance to Present Due Diligence

Republican lawmakers have requested the Biden administration to investigate four Chinese companies involved in Ford's new Michigan battery plant, citing concerns about their ties to the Chinese military, the Chinese Communist Party, the North Korean government, and alleged human rights abuses in China's Xinjiang region.
The Chinese companies, whose names have been redacted, are involved in the concept design of the plant and IT services.
The plant, which plans to use technology from China-based Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) for lithium-iron-phosphate batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), has been criticized by US lawmakers who argue that US tax subsidies could be used to fund Chinese interests.
Ford CEO Jim Farley has requested that a Ford representative be given a chance to present its due diligence around its partnership with CATL, stating that Ford follows all government regulations and holds its suppliers to high standards, including the protection of human rights.
Despite the controversy, Ford continues to plan for EV growth in 2024, with the creation of nearly 900 new jobs and the addition of a third crew at its Michigan Assembly Plant.