Ford to Expand U.S. Lincoln Production, Creating Thousands of Jobs, Lutnick Says

Ford Motor Company is set to significantly expand its U.S. production of Lincoln vehicles by 2030, a move expected to create thousands of new American jobs as the automaker phases out imports from China. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick highlighted this development during a recent interview, emphasizing the broader administration push to revitalize domestic manufacturing.

Ford’s Shift Toward Domestic Lincoln Production

Currently, Lincoln’s U.S. lineup includes the China-built Nautilus model. Ford has not yet specified whether Nautilus production will move stateside or which other China-imported vehicles will be affected by the transition. However, the company’s plans to expand domestic assembly are clear, marking a significant step in reducing reliance on foreign imports for the luxury brand’s American customers.

While Ford has not released details on investment amounts or plant locations for the expansion, the automaker already maintains a strong manufacturing presence in the United States. In 2025, Ford assembled over 2 million vehicles domestically and employs approximately 56,300 hourly manufacturing workers nationwide.

Government Support and Economic Impact

Commerce Secretary Lutnick praised Ford’s initiative as a key example of the Trump administration’s strategy to use tariffs and trade policies to encourage companies to bring manufacturing back to America. Speaking on FOX Business, Lutnick asserted, “Thousands of jobs, thousands and thousands of jobs are coming back to America because of these tariffs on automotives.” He credited these policies with protecting jobs, preserving wages, and stimulating economic growth across all states.

Industry analysts agree that the expansion could have significant ripple effects on the U.S. economy, benefiting suppliers, logistics providers, and local communities near Ford’s manufacturing sites.

Preparing for a High-Tech Manufacturing Future

Lutnick also underscored the importance of workforce development to meet the demands of increasingly automated and technologically advanced manufacturing processes. “We’re going to have to train young people for these high-tech jobs,” he said, pointing to the administration’s focus on building advanced manufacturing capacity domestically, beyond just final assembly.

This emphasis aligns with broader industry trends toward integrating robotics, AI, and smart manufacturing technologies, requiring a skilled labor force capable of operating and maintaining sophisticated equipment.

Ford’s U.S. Manufacturing Footprint and the Road Ahead

Ford’s expansion plans come as U.S. manufacturing activity hits its highest level in more than four years, signaling robust growth in the sector. The automaker’s Ohio Assembly Plant and other U.S. facilities are expected to play key roles in scaling up Lincoln production, although specific plant assignments remain undisclosed.

The company’s move aims to balance global supply chain challenges with consumer demand for American-made luxury vehicles, reflecting a broader industry shift toward reshoring production.

Ford’s commitment to expanding U.S. manufacturing promises economic growth and job creation, reinforcing the administration’s goal of revitalizing American industry while preparing the workforce for a cutting-edge manufacturing future.