The Ford company, despite being one of the companies that former U.S. President Donald Trump wants to force to bring back its factories to the United States by imposing tariffs, still manufactures three of its most economical models in Mexico. These models are the electric Mustang Mach-E, the Maverick truck, and the compact SUV Bronco Sport. During the month of March, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi), Ford assembled 35,840 units in Mexico, 46% more than the same month last year.
Ford has reported that it is considering raising the prices of vehicles coming out of its assembly lines starting in May if President Trump does not reduce tariffs. Andrew Frick, president of Ford's gasoline and electric vehicle units, mentioned in a memo sent to dealers that they expect the need to make adjustments to vehicle prices in the future. Vehicles manufactured in May will not be available in showrooms in the United States until late June or early July.
In a statement, Ford clarified that for now it will not change the prices of the vehicles in inventory but continues to evaluate the possible impact of tariff measures. It is expected that part of the tariffs imposed by Trump on automobiles will be passed on to prices. Trump imposed a 25% tariff on imported cars and intends to impose a similar tax on certain foreign automobile parts before May 3. Automakers in Detroit have been pushing for an exemption that does not affect the prices and finances of the companies.
Ford manufactures 80% of the cars it sells in the United States in plants located in its home country, while the rest, including the aforementioned models, are assembled in Mexico. The tariff situation posed by Trump represents a challenge for the automotive company, which seeks to maintain its competitiveness and attractive prices for consumers.
