Ford CEO Jim Farley slammed for driving Chinese-made electric vehicle: 'Slap in the face'
Ford CEO Jim Farley gushed about his car — a Chinese-made electric vehicle that he had specially flown in from Shanghai.
Ford’s chief executive revealed that he drives a $30,000 Chinese-made electric sedan — and got ripped by critics, who called it a “slap in the face” to employees of the Detroit-based automaker.
Farley, who has been CEO of Ford since October 2020, said he drives a Xiaomi SU7, an electric sedan that retails for $30,000 that he had specially flown in from Shanghai. Introduced in December 2023, the SU7 is the first EV sold by Xiaomi, the world’s second-largest seller of smartphones.
Farley told “The Fully Charged Podcast” that he has no plans to abandon the car.
“I don’t like talking about the competition so much, but I drive the Xiaomi,” Farley told podcast host Robert Llewellyn.
“We flew one from Shanghai to Chicago, and I’ve been driving it for six months now and I don’t want to give it up.”
Farley wrote on his X social media account: “I try to drive everything we compete against. Have done it my whole career.”
Early Life and Education
Jim Farley was born in 1969 in Brooklyn, New York, to an Irish-American family. His parents were both from the old country, and his father was a mechanic. Farley grew up in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, where he developed a strong interest in cars and mechanics from an early age.
Farley attended St. Francis College in Brooklyn, where he studied accounting and earned a degree in 1991. During his college years, he also worked part-time jobs to help support his family, including a stint as a car salesman.
Career at Ford
After graduating from college, Farley joined Ford Motor Company in 1990 as a financial analyst in the company's Ford credit corporation. At the time, Ford was expanding its financial services ARM, and Farley was tasked with analyzing financial data and providing insights to support the company's growth.
Over the next decade, Farley worked his way up the ranks at Ford, holding various positions in finance, including controller and chief financial officer (CFO). In 2001, he joined the company's Ford Credit Corporation as the CFO, where he oversaw the company's financial operations and developed strategies to expand its credit business.
In 2008, Farley became the vice president of Global Marketing, sales, and Service, where he was responsible for developing and executing Ford's global marketing strategy. During his tenure, Farley played a key role in launching the Ford Focus and Fiesta models, as well as the company's SYNC infotainment system.
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO)
In 2015, Farley was promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO) of Ford, succeeding Jim Hackett. As COO, Farley was responsible for overseeing the company's global operations, including manufacturing, engineering, and sales.
As COO, Farley focused on implementing cost-saving measures and streamlining Ford's operations. He also played a key role in developing the company's strategy for electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies.
CEO of Ford
On October 1, 2020, Farley became the CEO of Ford, succeeding Jim Hackett. As CEO, Farley has focused on transforming the company into a more agile and innovative organization.
Under Farley's leadership, Ford has announced plans to invest $18 billion in electrification and autonomous driving technologies, with a goal of offering 100 electric vehicles by 2026. Farley has also emphasized the importance of building partnerships with other companies, including startups and technology firms, to accelerate Ford's transformation.
Farley has also prioritized the development of Ford's software capabilities, recognizing the importance of digital technologies in shaping the company's future. He has also launched initiatives to improve Ford's supply chain management and manufacturing efficiency.
Leadership Style
Farley is known for his strong personality and straightforward communication style. He is a "no-nonsense" leader who values simplicity and efficiency in decision-making.
Farley has also been praised for his ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, and partners. He is a strong believer in the importance of teamwork and collaboration, and has encouraged Ford employees to work together to drive innovation and growth.
Personal Life
Farley is married and has two children. He is a self-described "New York guy" who is known for his strong personality and straightforward communication style.
Farley is a fan of sports, particularly baseball, and has been known to take the company's sports cars, including the Ford Mustang, out for spins on weekends. He is also an avid cyclist and has completed several charity cycling events to raise money for various causes.
Farley has also been an outspoken advocate for the need for the US government to provide incentives for the development and deployment of electric vehicles, arguing that the industry can create millions of jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Awards and Recognition
Farley has received numerous awards and recognition for his leadership and contributions to the automotive industry. These include:
Overall, Jim Farley is a seasoned executive with a strong track record of leadership and innovation. As CEO of Ford, he is driving the company's transformation into a more agile and sustainable organization, with a focus on electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and software capabilities.
Should've bought a US-made #tesla by #elonmusk #lolz #cent
He could have bought a China made Tesla if he wanted also.
A lot of cars rolling out of the Shanghai factory.
Yes, good point. As long as he got what he wanted. Thanks Task.