Ford executive believes Trump and Musk want to ‘strengthen’ the American auto industry

President-elect Trump may still have some time before he enters the Oval Office, but he and his team are already making an impact on business leaders.Bill Ford, chairman of Ford Motor Co., whose great-grandfather Henry Ford founded the iconic American car giantbelieves that Trump and Elon Musk are looking to help the industry.

“[Trump is] very tense about the importance of strong American industry. He wants to not only keep it strong, but actually strengthen it from here.” Ford told reporters at the Detroit Auto Show.

The all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E is on display during the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center on November 22, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)

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Ford added that Trump is not only focused on promoting the automakers, but also aims to “help the workers in the industry. He cares a lot about the people in the factories.”

Then-presidential candidate Donald Trump listens as auto worker Brian Pannebecker speaks during a campaign rally at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan on October 26, 2024. (DRU ANGERER/AFP via Getty Images/Fox News)

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Referring to Trump’s close relationship with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Ford said he wasn’t overly concerned that it would hurt the electric car company’s competitors. In fact, Ford is hoping for Musk’s position will benefit automakers.

“We’re aligned on a lot of different things,” Ford said, referring to Musk.

Elon Musk talked with the newly elected President Donald Trump. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images/Getty Images)

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Trump led the U.S. auto industry over regulations, trade agreements and tariffs during his first term.Ford reportedly acknowledged its relationship with Trump during the then-president’s first term “Had its ups and downs.” Still, after speaking with Trump for a “long, long time,” Ford expressed optimism about the president-elect’s approach to the auto industry in his second term.

“I feel very confident that going forward, Ford will have a voice and a seat at the table,” Ford said.

Axios and Bloomberg contributed to this report.