It’s no secret that the Chinese automotive realm is a tough nut to crack, given the stiff competition in what is the world’s largest market. Regardless, that volume is enough to keep automakers working to develop and sell vehicles to Chinese customers, and that includes Ford, which has largely given up on being a major player in China, but still markets a pared-down lineup of vehicles there. Regardless, that smaller, more focused lineup was enough to generate a solid amount of revenue for Ford China in 2024, according to CEO Jim Farley.
“I’m happy to say that Ford makes money in China, and I’m very proud of that, because not many [automakers] can say that,” Farley told reporters at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show, according to CNBC, revealing that Ford China earned around $600 million in that market last year amid challenging conditions. Farley noted that this sum includes exported vehicles like the Lincoln Nautilus, which is built in China and exported to other markets, including the U.S.
This news is notable given the fact that Ford typically doesn’t report earnings by region, so it gives us a little insight into how Ford China is performing. It’s also notable given how automakers not based in China have historically struggled to gain market share in the world’s largest automotive market. In fact, as Ford Authority recently reported, Ford’s cross-town rival, General Motors, is in the midst of cutting jobs from its Chinese research and development department, a move made in response to its $104 million dollar loss in Q2 of 2024, as well as $210 million in the first half of 2024.
Ford China has also faced its fair share of struggles in recent years, which is precisely why it shifted away from developing vehicles specifically for that market, and instead is focused mainly on off-road-capable models these days. Regardless, Ford was recently named as the company that stands to be impacted the most by its exposure to China in a study conducted by the consulting firm Strategy Risks.
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“this sum includes exported vehicles like the Lincoln Nautilus, which is built in China and exported to other markets”
So, how much money did Ford make (lose) in Chinese sales alone?
There is NO way that Ford’s pencil pushers would know just over a week after the end of a year what they made or lost in the prior year. He’s blowing hot air and he’s looking MIGHTY suspicious. Uh oh Jimmy. And China does not want Ford (or GM) there.