• Ford Motor Co. Chair Bill Ford expressed confidence that Elon Musk’s relationship with President-elect Donald Trump will not negatively impact legacy automakers like Ford. Ford noted that Trump now has a better understanding of the auto industry's importance to the U.S. economy, following a learning curve during his first term. Ford shared details of a recent conversation with Trump, where they discussed topics such as tariffs, EV tax credits, and incentives for manufacturing. He emphasized that despite past tensions with Trump, the incoming administration's focus on strengthening the U.S. auto industry aligns with Ford’s goals. Similarly, Hyundai CEO José Muñoz downplayed concerns about Tesla’s perceived advantage due to Musk’s ties to Trump.

• Tesla’s market cap has surged by over $460 billion since Election Day, reflecting investor optimism about its prospects under Trump’s presidency. Meanwhile, Ford is making strategic moves in the EV space, with CEO Jim Farley confirming plans to introduce extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) in the U.S. to compete with innovations from Tesla and others. Ford’s leadership expressed confidence in maintaining a strong voice in the evolving industry landscape, while also prioritizing partnerships with policymakers to support both the company and its workforce.