Ford Rival Hyundai Also Sounds Alarm on Chinese EVs in the US

The debate over whether Chinese vehicles should be allowed into the U.S. market is heating up, even though such models are currently banned. Domestic automakers and their lobby groups, along with most lawmakers, oppose the idea. Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz has warned that if the U.S. opens its doors to Chinese EVs, the market could experience the same disruption already unfolding in Europe, where Chinese models are sold with tariffs and minimum pricing commitments. Munoz noted that Chinese vehicles are 30‑40 percent cheaper than rivals in the region.

He added that the UK, which has not imposed similar restrictions, has seen a larger influx of Chinese cars, with all top sellers being Chinese because there are no barriers. “The UK, which in the past was a very profitable, very strong market, has become like China,” the Hyundai executive said. “All the top sellers are Chinese because there are no barriers. So I think we could expect similar things to happen in the US, at different levels, unless there are certain conditions.” Munoz added that the U.S. needs to impose conditions on Chinese automakers “to be able to minimize the impact,” but also warned that the impact is inevitable. President Donald Trump recently said that “if China wanted to come in and open a plant to build their cars here, I’d be okay with that,” adding a caveat that “the big thing is they hire our people,” echoing how Japanese and South Korean automakers already operate in America. The American Automotive Policy Council, representing Detroit automakers including Ford, panned those comments, stating that such a move would destroy the domestic auto industry.

Ford has faced criticism in the past week or two over its Chinese ties, trading barbs with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy while also being called out by the Select Committee on China. Ford has long opposed allowing Chinese automakers into the U.S. market, though CEO Jim Farley reportedly discussed a potential joint‑venture production deal with the Trump administration earlier this year. The article also includes a promotional section for Ford Authority, featuring a sweepstakes for a 2026 Shelby GT350 Convertible Prototype and an invitation to subscribe to Ford news via email.