Vindicator Logo

Ford CEO: Production plans on track despite election

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Associated Press

DETROIT

Ford Motor Co. CEO Mark Fields says the presidential election won’t change the company’s plans to move small-car production to Mexico.

President-elect Donald Trump has criticized Ford for moving production to Mexico. Trump wants to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement and has called for a 35-percent tariff on goods shipped from Mexico.

In an interview with CNBC Tuesday, Fields said Ford is proceeding with its plan to move Focus car production from Michigan to a new plant in Mexico by 2018. He said no jobs will be lost, since the Michigan plant will make two other vehicles.

Fields warned that a tariff would affect the entire industry – and autoworkers’ profit-sharing checks – since many companies sell Mexican- and Canadian-made vehicles or parts.