Ford to Move Lincoln Production From China to US by 2030

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Ford Motor plans to shift production of some Lincoln models from China to the United States beginning in 2030, according to statements made by company executives on Wednesday. The strategic pivot aims to reinforce the domestic automotive manufacturing base amid shifting trade policies and regulatory hurdles affecting foreign-built luxury vehicles.

The decision directly impacts the Lincoln Nautilus SUV, which has been built in China since 2024 following a production move to a joint venture with China Changan Automobile Group Co. Ltd. Under current trade rules, the China-built Nautilus faces a hefty 52.5% tariff when imported into the U.S. market, a financial burden that Ford leadership identified as the primary catalyst for the upcoming manufacturing overhaul.

“We made this decision as soon as the policy of the administration was set,” Farley said, noting that leadership recognized immediately what the regulatory landscape meant for the automaker’s long-term operational strategy.

Although the company did not specify exact locations for where the domestic-built Lincoln models will be assembled starting in 2030, Farley emphasized that the vehicles will target the domestic market to scale up output. Commerce Secretary Lutnick praised the direction during their joint appearance, stating, “Ford’s got an edge. Domestic manufacturing has an edge.”

Regulatory Pressures and Tech Restrictions

Beyond steep tariffs, regulatory frameworks governing vehicle technology played a secondary yet significant role in shaping the automaker’s timeline. Federal restrictions under the Connected Vehicle Rule ban specific Chinese hardware and software components in vehicles sold across the U.S., creating compliance hurdles for cross-border supply chains.

Ford previously disclosed that the software for the Nautilus was developed domestically but installed overseas during final assembly, a process that initially required specialized government authorization to maintain U.S. sales. However, a company spokesperson clarified that following ongoing discussions with the Commerce Department, the automaker determined the Nautilus no longer requires that specific authorization to remain on sale in the United States.

The regulatory environment continues to tighten across the industry.

Broader Industry Shifts and Current U.S. Operations

Ford is not alone in recalibrating its global footprint. Crosstown rival General Motors announced plans to transition production of its Buick Envision to the U.S. from China starting in 2028, reflecting a broader trend among legacy automakers responding to trade duties and supply chain security concerns.

Photo: reuters.com

For Lincoln, the 2030 production shift builds upon an existing domestic manufacturing foundation. The brand currently assembles the Navigator SUV at a facility in Louisville, Kentucky, and builds the Aviator at the Chicago Assembly Plant. Both domestic models are subsequently exported to international markets, including Canada, Mexico, and the Middle East.

Last year, Ford sold approximately 34,000 Nautilus vehicles in the U.S., underscoring the commercial importance of the SUV to the luxury brand’s domestic lineup.

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