Ford Cancels Plans to Sell Chinese-Made Focus Active in U.S.

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Ford Motor Company said on Friday that it is canceling plans to sell the Chinese-made Focus Active. The decision comes after President Donald Trump threatened to tariff another $200 billion worth of Chinese goods.

Ford’s Plans

Kumar Galhotra, Ford’s North American chief, told reporters on Friday that the Chinese-made Focus Active crossover would have filled a unique niche in the U.S. market. The company was planning to bring the car to America next year.

Golhatra did reassure reporters that the company’s canceled plans would not reduce American jobs or company sales overall. It only planned to sell 50,000 Focus Actives in America to begin with.

He also said that the company would pursue its plans to sell the Focus Active in Europe and to continue offering it in China.

The decision comes after Ford announced this year that it was ending Fiesta, Taurus, Fusion and Focus sales in the U.S. It will continue selling the Mustang line in America, but is focusing on SUVs, trucks and other electric vehicles in its home market. The Focus Active would have fit that strategy as a crossover model.

Effect of U.S.-China Trade Relations

At Trump’s lead, the U.S. is currently charging duties of up to 25 percent on Chinese-made vehicles.