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Ford Moves Lincoln Nautilus Production to U.S. by 2030

8/13/2026

48 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Ford Moves Production

Ford Motor Co. will move Lincoln Nautilus production from China to the United States in 2030.
CEO Jim Farley said the 52.5% tariff on Chinese-built Nautilus models prompted the shift.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said domestic manufacturing gives Ford a competitive edge.
The Connected Vehicle Rule, which restricts Chinese technology in U.S. cars, factored into Ford’s relocation plan.

Summary

Ford Shifts Production

Ford expects the 2030 shift to create thousands of jobs at its U.S. plants.
The Navigator and Aviator will stay in Kentucky and Chicago while the Nautilus will shift to an undisclosed U.S. plant.
Ford did not disclose the capital investment needed for the new assembly line, leaving its scale unknown.
Executives said 2025 tariffs raised costs, speeding repatriation and underscoring Ford's lead in U.S. vehicle assembly and exports.

History

Historical Context

After the 1964 “chicken tax” imposed a 25 % duty on imported light trucks, Toyota circumvented it by buying Atlas in 1972 and later opened the NUMMI joint plant with GM in 1984, eventually building its own Kentucky factory in 1986. Facing similar trade pressures, Ford now moves Lincoln Nautilus production to U.S. plants, echoing the earlier shift toward domestic assembly.

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Ford Moves Production

Ford Motor Co. will move Lincoln Nautilus production from China to the United States in 2030.
CEO Jim Farley said the 52.5% tariff on Chinese-built Nautilus models prompted the shift.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said domestic manufacturing gives Ford a competitive edge.
The Connected Vehicle Rule, which restricts Chinese technology in U.S. cars, factored into Ford’s relocation plan.

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