Bill Ford optimistic after talk with Trump

President-elect Donald Trump and Ford Motor Executive Chair Bill Ford shared a phone call last week, which Ford said left him feeling optimistic about the incoming administration’s relationship with the U.S. auto industry.

Driving the news: Speaking at the Detroit Auto Show, Ford shared details of his recent conversation with Trump, describing it as “long” and productive.

• “He clearly understands the importance of our industry and of Ford in the industry,” Ford said. “I feel very confident going forward Ford will have a voice and a seat at the table.”

• The automaker executive also stressed that he believes Trump’s understanding of the auto industry has matured. “His first term, this whole industry was brand new to him,” he noted. “Now that he’s been president…his knowledge today is way superior.”

Zooming in: While the Ford Chairman is optimistic, the company and Trump have a complicated history and may yet share a difficult future.

• During his first term, Trump criticized Ford for its plan to move vehicle production to Mexico as well as its support for Obama-era fuel efficiency rules.

• And while the President-elect has promised to repeal Biden Administration tax incentives for electric vehicles, the automaker has pushed back, arguing they are crucial for innovation.

• The auto industry is also worried that Trump’s threats to boost global tariffs will increase production costs and exacerbate affordability challenges.

Zooming out: That said, Ford isn’t the only automaker to express confidence toward the next four years of politics. Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz also sees a silver lining.

• In an interview, Munoz said he believes the President-elect’s relationship with Tesla CEO Elon Musk will work to the advantage of other car manufacturers, citing Musk’s close ties to the EV world.

Bottom line: Nevertheless, while some automaker executives are confident that Trump will include input from automakers in his plans for the future, it remains to be seen what policies the next administration will actually back once in office.

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