--- title: "Ford CEO Reportedly Spoke With Trump Administration About Partnering With Chinese Automakers: TDS" date: "2026-02-16" modified: "2026-02-16" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/ford-ceo-reportedly-spoke-with-trump-administration-about-partnering-with-chinese-automakers-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # Ford CEO Reportedly Spoke With Trump Administration About Partnering With Chinese Automakers: TDS ![Jim Farley]() *\Ford\* Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short. Quick, dense, and all encompassing, *TDS* gathers the latest automotive headlines from around the globe and places them in one spot. Stories are summarized in a single sentence accompanied by a link for those seeking more information. The first cup of coffee is gone, I'm definitely into the second, so let's get into it. 🚘 What I’m driving: Spent the weekend in the 2026 Lexus NX 350h AWD F Sport Handling and am averaging just over 34 mpg in mixed suburban driving, but even my cousin, unprompted, noted how narrow the front sport bucket seats are up front and the fact the side bolsters were grabbing him. Pretty sure it wasn't a compliment. 🀝 Ford CEO Jim Farley reportedly discussed with the Trump administration the idea of [setting up the ability for Chinese automakers]() to partner with U.S. automakers to build and sell cars in America through joint ventures. πŸ’Έ Volkswagen reportedly [aims to cut costs by 20% by 2028]() as part of a "massive" savings plan. πŸ“ˆ Mercedes-Benz plans to launch 40 new or updated vehicles this year in a bid to [grow annual sales back to two million]() by 2028; part of the plan calls for a focus on selling top-end vehicles with thick margins such as the G-Class and [de-emphasizing lower-margin vehicles]() such as the A-Class in global markets. 🐎 After booming success and profits Ferrari's rewarding its employees with [record bonuses of up to nearly $18,000](). 🚨 Mercedes-Benz [issued a Park Outside warning and recall]() for 11,895 EQB electric SUVs due to the high-voltage battery having an issue that could result in an internal failure and fire while the vehicle is parked or driving. πŸ”Œ ChargePoint reported that [charging infrastructure buildout isn't keeping up with demand]() with all the new EVs on the road. ✨ Autoforma designed and revealed [a stunning Volvo P1800ES shooting brake]() restomod. πŸ€– A residential parking garage in California can [automatically park and charge EVs](). 🏁 Weekend Race Results: - Daytona 500: Tyler Reddick from 23XI Racing took the checkered flag. - FIA World Rally Championship Rally Sweden: Elfyn Evans won with co-driver Scott Martin for Toyota Gazoo Racing. - Formula E Jeddah E-Prix (Race 1): Jake Dennis of Andretti Formula E took the win. - Formula E Jeddah E-Prix (race 2): Mitch Evans of Jaguar TCS Racing won. *Got a news tip or feedback? Drop us a line at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()