According to Sawyer Merritt, Ford CEO Jim Farley emphasized that Ford cannot afford to miss the opportunities in China, referencing past missteps in Japan and South Korea and underscoring China's rise as a global leader in AI-driven automotive innovation (source: Sawyer Merritt via Twitter, fordauthority.com). Farley's directive signals a strategic pivot for Ford towards deeper engagement with the Chinese automotive market, which is rapidly advancing in electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and smart manufacturing powered by AI technologies. This move highlights significant business opportunities for AI solution providers, data analytics firms, and autonomous driving startups looking to collaborate with major automakers seeking to compete in China’s competitive, technology-driven market.