Ford Motor Company Technology Platform Programs and Electric Vehicle (EV) Systems Vice President Lisa Drake reaffirmed on Monday that the carmaker continues to struggle to obtain rare-earth materials for magnets used in production.
Speaking to the reporters at the company's EV plant in Michigan, Drake said that, despite the agreement to ease the tariffs and export restrictions the United States and China imposed on each other, the issue with the supply chain remains. She noted progress but warned that, without significant improvements, Ford will have to shut down some of its manufacturing units.
In May, the shortage of magnets, linked to US duties on numerous Chinese exports, forced Ford to close its factory near Chicago.
