"We have to go toe-to-toe with China," Ford executive chair Bill Ford said earlier this month. While Chinese brands remain effectively locked out of the US market, they continue to expand rapidly elsewhere. Mexico has also become an important foothold, with Chinese brands recording strong sales growth, while Canada allows limited imports of Chinese-built electric vehicles under existing trade arrangements. Earlier this year, the Blue Oval announced a joint venture with Chinese automotive giant Geely to strengthen its position in Europe, where Chinese brands continue to gain market share. If Chinese brands eventually enter the US it would represent one of the biggest shake-ups the American automotive industry has faced in decades.