Gallagher, McMorris Rodgers Uncover Ford’s Plan to Use Chinese Technology Tied to the Chinese Military, North Korean Government, and Uyghur Genocide at its Joint Factory with CATL

As part of their ongoing investigation into Ford Motor Company’s partnership with China-based EV battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) to build a Michigan factory, Chairman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) of the House Energy and Commerce Committee uncovered evidence that Ford plans to use technology and software from at least four Chinese companies that supply the same types of IT tools to the Chinese military, North Korean government, and China’s Ministry of Public Security.

In letters sent to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, the lawmakers requested that the Biden administration immediately blacklist these four companies that Ford plans to use in its new factory with Chinese battery maker CATL.

Rep. Gallagher and Rep. McMorris Rodgers write, “It is indefensible for Ford to use the same cloud integration and data provider that is linked to North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs sanctions evasion activity.”

The lawmakers continue, “Before the Ford plant even comes online, its entire security system could be compromised by this software...The same company that is actively supporting the PRC’s surveillance state will have the capability to embed backdoors, spyware, and other forms of malware within Ford’s iPaaS infrastructure, compromising the confidentiality and integrity of Ford’s sensitive information and posing risk to American’s data privacy rights.”

Chairman Gallagher and Chair McMorris Rodgers ask the cabinet secretaries to provide written notice that they have blacklisted Ford’s problematic Chinese business partners by February 5, 2024.

In a separate letter sent to Ford CEO James Farley, Jr., the lawmakers request that "Ford make available for an interview a company official who will be able to speak with us about the due diligence Ford conducted before and after it entered into the agreements with CATL.”

Read the lawmakers’ letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo HERE.

Read the lawmakers’ letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen HERE.

Read the lawmakers’ letter to Ford CEO James Farley, Jr. HERE.