Ford to Move Some Lincoln Production From China to U.S. in 2030

Ford plans to move production of some Lincoln models from China to the United States beginning in 2030, a decision CEO Jim Farley said is aimed at strengthening the U.S. auto manufacturing industry amid steep tariffs and regulatory restrictions.

The move comes as vehicles imported from China face significant U.S. duties. Ford confirmed that the Lincoln Nautilus, its primary China-made vehicle sold in the U.S., currently faces a 52.5% tariff.

Farley said Ford acted after the U.S. administration established its trade policy, with tariffs serving as the main factor behind the production shift. Speaking alongside U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Farley said the domestically manufactured Lincoln vehicles will be sold in the U.S. as part of a broader effort to increase production. Ford has not disclosed which factory will build the models.

The decision follows a similar move by General Motors, which plans to transfer production of the Buick Envision from China to the U.S. beginning in 2028.

Beyond tariffs, Ford and other automakers must comply with the U.S. Connected Vehicle Rule, which restricts certain Chinese technology and hardware in vehicles sold domestically. Farley said the regulation also influenced Ford's decision.

Ford had previously sought Commerce Department authorization to continue selling vehicles potentially affected by the rule. However, the automaker said discussions with the department determined that the Lincoln Nautilus no longer requires authorization for U.S. sales. Ford sold approximately 34,000 Nautilus vehicles in the U.S. last year.

Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers are considering tighter restrictions on vehicles linked to Chinese ownership. A Senate Commerce Committee proposal approved in July would prohibit companies more than 15% owned by Chinese entities from selling vehicles in the country.

Ford said shifting additional Lincoln production to the U.S. will expand the luxury brand's existing domestic manufacturing footprint. The Lincoln Navigator is assembled in Louisville, Kentucky, while the Aviator is produced at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant. Both models are also exported to markets including Canada, Mexico and the Middle East.