Dive Brief: - Ford Motor Co. said it will phase out Lincoln brand vehicle imports from China to the U.S. as part of efforts to reduce tariff exposure. - China-built Lincoln models include the midsize Nautilus SUV, which is currently assembled exclusively in China by Changan Ford, a 50/50 joint venture between Ford and Changan Automobile. Vehicle imports from China currently face a tariff rate of 52.5%. - The automaker also plans to boost U.S. production of the luxury brand vehicles beginning in 2030. The company expects the move will generate thousands of direct and indirect U.S. jobs. Dive Insight: Ford is adjusting its import strategy to navigate U.S. trade regulations, including tariffs, and support its domestic manufacturing ambitions. The automaker and Changan Automobile launched the Changan-Ford JV in 2012. The JV produces both Ford and Lincoln brand vehicles for the China market. The JV factory in Hangzhou, which opened in 2015, currently builds the Lincoln Nautilus, Aviator and Ford Explorer and Edge L SUVs, according to Ford’s website. The Lincoln Navigator and Aviator SUVs are built in the U.S. and currently exported to global markets, including Canada, Mexico and the Middle East. The Navigator is currently built at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, and the Aviator is assembled at the automaker’s Chicago Assembly Plant. Ford says it assembled over 2 million vehicles in the U.S. last year, more than any other OEM. “Lincoln is a quintessentially American brand, and Ford is America’s automaker. This wasn’t necessarily the easiest path. In fact, it’s a path most of our competitors aren’t choosing to take, Ford CEO and President Jim Farley said in a statement. “But Ford builds in America because we believe in America, and we’re betting on that belief again.” Another factor for Ford phasing out Lincoln production in