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Ford CEO Donald Trump has a clear preference for the American automaker, highlighting his historic connection with the brand. Meanwhile, Elon Musk and Tesla appear not to be the president's favorites
Ford President, Bill Ford, stated that Donald Trump has a clear preference for Ford. During a recent telephone conversation with the President-elect of the United States, Ford highlighted the positive relationship that is developing.
"He knows we are the most American company and we will have a great relationship with him.”, Bill Ford told the press.
The statement was made in the Detroit Auto Show, which is ongoing until January 20th.
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The news reinforces the perception that Tesla, led by Elon Musk, may not be among the priorities of the next administration, despite the support that Elon Musk showed during Trump's election campaign.
A relationship with ups and downs: Ford and Donald Trump
Although Donald Trump has recently praised Ford, his relationship with the automaker has faced some rocky moments. In 2016, for example, Trump publicly criticized the company for announcing that it would move small car production to Mexico.
The situation generated controversy, as the then candidate used the case as an example of job losses in the United States.
Back in 2019, during his first term, Trump again criticized Ford for not supporting his attempts to roll back California's emissions rules.
Those criticisms, however, appear to be in the past. Bill Ford said Trump now understands the auto industry better and has shown greater interest in working with it.
Why does Trump prefer Ford over Tesla?
Donald Trump's preference for Ford over Tesla is largely tied to the president-elect's views on thermal cars and the traditional auto industry.
During his campaign, Trump was a vocal critic of federal subsidies for electric vehicle purchases, which could significantly hurt Tesla's sales.
This stance contrasts with the Joe Biden administration, which has always supported the development of electric vehicles and maintained a close relationship with Ford and other manufacturers.
While Biden has promoted subsidies and policies favorable to the clean energy sector, Trump has promised to focus on the interests of the fossil fuel industry.
Phone conversation with positive flavor for Ford
Bill Ford said the phone call with Trump was unexpected but left a very positive impression. He said Trump “loves the fact that we are the most American car company” and wants to be a good fit for Ford in the years to come.
“We are confident that we will have a voice and a seat at the table where important decisions will be made,” Ford said. He believes the automaker’s relationship with the government will be strengthened in the new presidential term.
Evolution in industry knowledge
Bill also commented that Trump, unlike his first term, now has a deeper understanding of the automotive industry.
"At first, this was all new to him,” the executive explained. “But now, after a few years of reflecting on the industry, he has a better understanding of the importance of the industry and Ford’s role in it.. "
This development is seen as a positive sign for the automaker. Trump has shown an interest in supporting American workers and strengthening client traditional, which could benefit Ford in a competitive market.
The contrast with Elon Musk and Tesla
Although Elon Musk publicly supported Donald Trump during the campaign and even held a prominent position in the previous administration, the relationship between the two does not appear to have guaranteed favoritism for Tesla.
Trump's stance against subsidies for electric vehicles could make it harder for Tesla to expand in the United States. In addition, the preference for traditional automakers like Ford reflects the president-elect's stance on prioritizing jobs and manufacturing within the country.
Ford's Future Under Trump
Bill Ford's optimism about the new administration is evident. Ford, considered one of the most American companies in the automotive sector, hopes to seize the opportunity to collaborate directly with Trump on policies that benefit the industry.
Still, Bill Ford acknowledges that not all decisions will be favorable to the automaker. “We won't win absolutely everything“, he admitted.
However, he believes Trump's deeper understanding of the auto industry will open doors for productive collaboration in the years to come.
With the new administration about to take office, Ford is positioning itself as one of the companies most aligned with Donald Trump's interests.
This represents not only an advantage for the automaker, but also a challenge for other companies, such as Tesla, that rely on incentives for electric vehicles.
The story of ups and downs between Ford and Trump thus gains a new chapter. With cautious optimism, Bill Ford makes it clear that the company is ready to seize this opportunity and strengthen its presence in the American market.
