Posted 9/25/2023, 11:01:05 PM
Ford Pauses Michigan Electric Vehicle Battery Plant Amid UAW Tensions
- Ford halting construction of electric vehicle battery plant in Michigan due to concerns about competitiveness
- Unclear if pause related to dispute with United Auto Workers union
- Ford using battery technology licensed from Chinese company CATL
- Ford warned UAW contract demands would undermine electric vehicle investments
- Ford spokesman said pausing work until confident can competitively operate plant
- UAW president accused Ford of barely-veiled threat to cut jobs
- Ford credited with doing more than GM or Stellantis to meet UAW demands
- Plan was for plant to produce lithium iron phosphate batteries
- Uncertainty around regulations on working with Chinese firms likely a factor
- Ford could also be trying to put pressure on the union in contract talks