Ford’s wholly-owned brands in China (Ford, Lincoln, Volvo, Jaguar and Land Rover) posted 25% growth to total retail sales of 93,206 units in the first half of 2007, outpacing the industry average.
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Ford brand vehicles, both imported and domestically produced, passenger and commercial, grew 22% to 84,208 units.
The passenger car joint venture, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile, reported 57% year-on-year wholesale sales growth to reach 93,587 units.
Luxury brands Volvo, Jaguar and Land Rover retail sales grew 66% percent for the first six months, to 8,779 units.
The third generation Ford Mondeo will be launched later this year as a major player in the domestic premium CD-car segment.
“With joint ventures established, modern manufacturing capacity fully utilised and sales/service networks rapidly expanding, Ford Motor Company’s key strategic deployment in China has set the company on a steady fast-growth track,” the automaker said on Thursday.
“The first half of 2007 witnessed a significant phase. The establishment of Ford Motor Research & Engineering Nanjing and the launch of Changan Ford Mazda Engine Company underscore the commitments that [we have] made to the China auto market. ” said Mei-Wei Cheng, chairman and CEO of Ford Motor (China).
“With the announcement of the coming third generation Mondeo and an all-new Ford brand small car, Ford’s complete line up of cars in China will soon include mid-size vehicles, small cars, SAVs, SUVs, and commercial vehicles.”
The Focus – the European-derived model – is Ford’s top seller in China and grew six-month retail sales volume 66% to 55,676 units. The S-Max minivan posted wholesale volume of 2,260 units in its first 2.5 months on the market.
Having operated in China for only four years, CFMA for the first time made its way into the top 10 passenger car makers last April and again in May. June rankings have not been released yet.
Combining the new manufacturing plant in Nanjing, in production by the end of 2007, and the Chongqing assembly, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile is boosting annual production capacity to about 410,000 units.
Meanwhile, the Ford Transit van produced by 30-70 equity share Jiangling Motor Corporation in Nanchang, again led its mid-to-high-end light van segment as H1 retail sales rose 13% to 12,584 units.
