The jury is still out on what a Donald Trump presidency will mean for Ford Motor Company – a corporation that’s been thoroughly criticized by the Trump campaign for its multi-billion-dollar manufacturing plans in Mexico, as the new president-elect made outsourcing by American businesses a key part of his election bid.
But come what may, Ford is saying that it’s willing to cooperate with America’s next president. According to Fortune, Ford Spokesperson Christin Baker said after last night’s results: “We agree with Mr. Trump that it is really important to unite the country, and we look forward to working together to support economic growth and jobs.”
The president-elect has previously stated that were he chosen to be the next president, he would not allow Ford to open its future San Luis Potosi small-car plant, and would impose a 35-percent tax on Ford vehicles and parts imported from Mexico.
This is a crucial time for Ford, which only recently announced that its remaining small-car production in the US would be shifted south of the border in 2018. In a separate piece published by Fortune, the outlet quoted Original Equipment Suppliers Association Senior Economist Charles Chesbrough, who says that “[Trump’s] trade policies could add $5,000 or more to the price of a small car from Mexico.” Car sales have already slipped in the US over the past several years as SUVs and crossovers capture a growing slice of the market.
Ford has congratulated president-elect Donald Trump on his victory at the polls; all that remains to be seen is whether Trump will make good on his promises to tax imported Ford parts and products, or back the US out of NAFTA altogether.
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