New York, Jan 17, 2026, 07:02 ET — Market closed.
- Ford shares ended Friday at $13.60, slipping 1.5%.
- A report revealed Ford is negotiating with China’s BYD over batteries for hybrid vehicles, stirring political backlash.
- U.S. markets remain closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, leaving Tuesday as the day to watch for fresh trading activity.
Ford Motor shares slipped 1.5% on Friday and may remain under scrutiny next week following reports that the automaker is negotiating with China’s BYD over batteries for hybrid vehicles. The talks sparked backlash from White House trade adviser Peter Navarro.
The report is crucial now as Ford shifts focus toward hybrids—cars combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery—while dialing back its expensive bet on fully electric vehicles. Batteries remain the main choke point and expense.
It hits a sensitive nerve for investors: forging stronger links with a Chinese supplier can instantly trigger conflict in Washington, where tariffs, regulations, and politics dictate what’s “allowed” — not just what’s affordable.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Ford and BYD remain in discussions over a potential supply deal, which could include Ford using BYD batteries in markets beyond the U.S. Ford commented, “We talk to lots of companies about many things,” while BYD has yet to respond to requests for comment. Investing.com
Ford has already informed investors about changes to its EV strategy. In December, the company flagged roughly $19.5 billion in EV-related special items and announced it would scrap plans to produce certain larger electric vehicles, citing weak demand and unfavorable costs. That same statement confirmed Ford will release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results on Tuesday, Feb. 10.
A regulatory filing on Friday revealed that Ford Vice Chair John Lawler was granted 137,581 restricted stock units as part of the company’s long-term incentive plan. These units are set to vest in December 2026. Executives and directors use Form 4 filings to report stock transactions and awards.
Ford announced a recall this week for 6,819 model-year 2026 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks. The company informed U.S. safety regulators that some right rear axle shafts might not have been heat-treated correctly, raising the risk of fractures. Ford said it hasn’t received reports of accidents or injuries so far. Dealers will handle the replacement of the faulty shafts.
Markets face a short week as U.S. stock exchanges will be closed Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Trading picks back up Tuesday.
Ford bulls face a clear risk: battery negotiations might fall through, or any deal struck could get tangled in politics, restricting Ford’s options on cell sourcing and pricing. Execution also looms large — recalls and warranty repairs could erode margins, even if demand stays strong.
Key moments ahead include Tuesday’s market reopening, updates from Ford or BYD on their battery talks, and Ford’s earnings report on Feb. 10. Investors will zero in on concrete data about the costs tied to the strategy shift and how quickly hybrid demand is growing.
