General Motors CEO Mary Barra is expected to attend a White House state dinner on September 22, according to two people familiar with the matter, as reported by Reuters and cited by Chinese outlet Gasgoo. The dinner, hosted by the U.S. administration for China, comes amid cautious attitudes among American automakers about Chinese carmakers entering the U.S. market, but the invitation suggests a possible shift toward openness.
Stellantis and Ford Decline to Comment
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa will not attend as he is currently outside the country, the sources said. Ford declined to comment on whether CEO Jim Farley would attend. The White House has not responded to requests for comment.
Ford has faced criticism from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy over its business ties with Chinese companies. During a visit to China this month, Farley said Ford would deepen cooperation with its partner Jiangling Motors to explore global market opportunities. The day before Farley's visit, the Ford-Jiangling joint venture completed production of about 1,000 electric vans, which are set to be shipped to Europe.
Implications for U.S.-China Auto Relations
The attendance of top U.S. auto executives at the state dinner could signal a thaw in trade tensions that have seen tariffs and restrictions on Chinese EVs. However, the cautious stance of U.S. automakers suggests they remain wary of increased competition from Chinese brands in their home market.
According to Gasgoo, the report was originally published by Reuters, and the news highlights the delicate balance between political gestures and commercial interests in the auto industry.
