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Ford Calls for Boycott of Chinese EVs

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. 01/22/ford-calls-for-boycott-of-chinese-evs.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, January 22nd 2026 at 3:39 GMT by Global News
      Locale: CANADA, CHINA

Toronto, Ontario - January 22nd, 2026 - Ontario Premier Doug Ford ignited a fiery debate this week with a forceful call for Canadians to boycott electric vehicles (EVs) manufactured in China. Speaking at the Detroit Economic Club on Tuesday, Ford articulated concerns centered on national security, data privacy, and the need for bolstering North American automotive independence.

Ford's statement, which has reverberated across the Canadian political landscape and within the automotive industry, wasn't a casual remark. He explicitly warned against the potential risks associated with relying on Chinese-made EVs, highlighting fears of data harvesting, cyberattacks, and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. His core argument boils down to a fundamental question: How much control are we willing to relinquish when embracing foreign technology?

"We don't want to see a situation where people's data is being harvested and sent back to China," Ford declared, underscoring the core worry for many Canadians. This concern isn't entirely unfounded. Reports have surfaced in recent years raising questions about data security practices within certain Chinese technology companies, and the potential for government access to user data remains a significant global issue. The possibility of vehicles acting as unwitting data conduits, transmitting sensitive information back to Chinese servers, is particularly alarming.

Beyond data privacy, Ford raised a more acute concern: the potential for hacking. He expressed fears that Chinese-made EVs could be vulnerable to cyberattacks, potentially disrupting critical infrastructure or even being used to compromise individual drivers' safety. While the specifics of such attacks remain theoretical, the increasing sophistication of cyber warfare necessitates proactive preventative measures.

The timing of Ford's call for a boycott is significant. The Chinese EV market has experienced explosive growth, and several major manufacturers, including BYD, Nio, and Xpeng, are aggressively expanding their presence in the North American market. These companies offer compelling alternatives to established North American and European brands, often with lower price points and impressive technological features. The allure of cheaper, technologically advanced EVs is strong, but Ford's warning throws a significant wrench into those consumer calculations.

Ford's solution is a straightforward one: prioritize North American automotive manufacturing and supply chains. He advocates for a collaborative effort between Canada and the United States to develop a secure and reliable domestic vehicle production base. "We need to make sure that we're building vehicles here in North America, with North American parts and North American workers," he asserted. This approach promises not only enhanced national security but also the creation of jobs and a boost to the regional economy.

While Ford's proposal has resonated with some, it hasn't been without criticism. Some analysts argue that a blanket boycott is an overreaction, and that concerns about data security and hacking can be addressed through robust cybersecurity measures and international agreements. Others point to the potential economic consequences of restricting access to a rapidly growing and competitive market. Furthermore, completely severing ties with China's EV manufacturing sector would be challenging, given the integrated nature of global supply chains.

The federal government in Ottawa has remained conspicuously silent on Ford's call, a move that has drawn criticism from some quarters. The lack of a definitive response suggests a cautious approach, likely involving further consultations with industry stakeholders and a careful assessment of the potential economic and political ramifications of such a significant policy shift. However, the Premier's statements have undoubtedly put the issue on the national agenda, forcing a crucial conversation about the balance between technological advancement, economic opportunity, and national security.

Ford's bold stance highlights a growing trend in Western nations--a reassessment of reliance on foreign technology, particularly from countries perceived as geopolitical rivals. As the EV revolution continues to accelerate, the debate surrounding security and sovereignty will only intensify. The future of the North American automotive industry, and the freedom of Canadian consumers to choose their vehicles, now hang in the balance.