Ford’s has announced that it expects its sales in China to hit 200,000 vehicles this year, up from 120,000 units in 2003, the Access Asia website reported.
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This will propel Ford into a leading position as one of the top three vehicle producers in China within the next five to 10 years along with VW and GM. This is a game of catch up for Ford who were outmanoeuvred by GM in 1997 in a sedan joint venture project in Shanghai.
Ford went on to form a $US98 million JV with Chang’an Motor in 2001 in Chongqing and, since then, Ford has followed a policy of “phased investment” in China.
Now this investment will include an additional $1.5 billion to enhance its manufacturing capacity, introduce new models and expand sales networks in China while Chang’an Ford’s annual production will be increased to 150,000 units from 20,000 units last year.
