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Ford Urges Boycott of Chinese EVs

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. 026/01/21/ford-urges-boycott-of-chinese-evs.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, January 21st 2026 at 16:56 GMT by The Globe and Mail
      Locale: CANADA, CHINA

Toronto, Ontario - January 21st, 2026 - Ontario Premier Doug Ford ignited a firestorm of debate this week with his direct appeal to Canadians to boycott electric vehicles (EVs) manufactured in China. The Premier's remarks, made during a Wednesday press conference, underscore a growing wave of protectionist sentiment surrounding Chinese technology and raise complex questions about national security and consumer choice.

Ford's stance is rooted in concerns regarding data security and potential access by the Chinese government. "I'm telling you, folks, don't buy Chinese electric vehicles," he stated emphatically. "We don't know what's in them, who has access to your data, where that data is going." This concern targets manufacturers like BYD, a prominent Chinese EV company poised to officially enter the Canadian market and directly compete with established North American and European brands.

The Premier's advice isn't merely a caution; it's a directive. Ford actively encouraged consumers to support EV manufacturers based in North America and Europe, suggesting that these alternatives offer a safer and more secure option. This aligns with a broader trend of governments worldwide scrutinizing the security risks associated with Chinese technology, particularly in sectors deemed strategically important.

A Rising Tide of Protectionism

Ford's comments aren't occurring in a vacuum. Canada's federal government is currently conducting a thorough review of the security implications of Chinese-made EVs, a process reflecting anxieties shared by other nations. The government previously took decisive action, blocking the use of telecommunications equipment from Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE due to similar national security worries. This precedent highlights the government's willingness to prioritize security concerns, even if it means potentially impacting trade relations.

The move also echoes broader international trends. Numerous countries are implementing stricter regulations on Chinese technology, citing concerns about intellectual property theft, data privacy, and potential leverage by the Chinese government. While the specifics of these concerns vary, the underlying anxieties surrounding reliance on Chinese technology are increasingly prevalent.

Industry Pushback and the Data Collection Reality

Ford's public call to action has not been universally praised. The Canadian Electric Vehicle Association (CEVA) swiftly condemned the Premier's remarks as "ill-informed" and warned that they would likely stifle the adoption of electric vehicles in Canada. Cesil Yanik, a CEVA spokesperson, argued that the statement creates unnecessary uncertainty and negatively impacts consumer confidence.

Yanik further emphasized a crucial point: "It's also important to note that EVs from all manufacturers collect data." This underscores the reality that data collection is inherent to modern vehicles, regardless of their origin. EVs rely on a vast network of sensors and software to operate, and this data, which can include location information, driving habits, and even personal preferences, is typically collected and used for various purposes, from improving vehicle performance to providing personalized services. The real debate isn't about whether data is collected, but about who has access to it, how it's used, and what safeguards are in place to protect consumer privacy. The Premier's comments, while raising legitimate security concerns, potentially oversimplify the complex issue of data collection in the automotive industry.

BYD's Response and Future Regulations

BYD has yet to release an official statement responding to Premier Ford's comments, but the company is expected to do so shortly. Their response will be closely watched, as it could offer insight into their plans for the Canadian market and their approach to addressing data security concerns.

Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, the Canadian federal government is expected to announce new regulations specifically concerning EVs later this year. The content and scope of these regulations remain unknown, but they are anticipated to address data security, cybersecurity, and potentially other aspects of EV manufacturing and operation. These forthcoming regulations will likely shape the landscape of the Canadian EV market for years to come and may be influenced by the current public debate ignited by Ford's comments.