Ford CEO Jim Farley issued a stark warning about the future of the American auto industry, stating the U.S. is in "deep trouble" due to a severe shortage of trade workers when compared to China. In a podcast appearance, Farley emphasized the struggle to fill thousands of skilled-mechanic roles, viewing it as a national crisis that impacts the country's ability to build and sustain its essential workforce. Separately, Farley acknowledged the significant technological lead of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers. He revealed that upon hiring a former Tesla and Apple executive, he was told that Ford's core technology and design tools were '25 years behind.' The CEO expressed admiration for competitors like Xiaomi, whose SU7 EV he praised for delivering a digital experience comparable to Apple, highlighting the growing threat from China's rapidly advancing auto market.