Ford is stepping up its new model launch programme in China to help reverse its sharp decline in recent years in the world’s largest vehicle market.
Anning Chen, who was appointed Ford China president last November, said the Changan-Ford joint venture planned to launch 18 new models by the end of 2021 to better meet the requirements of its customers in an increasingly competitive market. By the end of 2021, five new energy models will also have been launched.
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In addition, by the end of 2019, all new Changan Ford models will be connected and equipped with the SYNC+ infotainment system customised for Chinese users, using Baidu’s AI technology.
Most new Changan Ford models will also be equipped with the US automaker’s trademarked Co-Pilot360 set of advanced driver-assist technology.
Some of these features are defined as SAE Level 2 automated driving.
C-V2X equipped cars will also be produced in 2021, making China the first Ford market across the world to produce such vehicles.
Chen said the aim was to return Changan-Ford to being one of the country’s leading automotive joint ventures within three years with Ford and Changan Auto stepping up collaboration to localise more models, including producing Lincoln vehicles by the end of 2019.
Changan-Ford also plans to establish a new research centre to help design cars that better meet the requirements of Chinese buyers.
Ford’s sales in China, vehicle from its Chinese joint ventures and imports, fell by 37% to 752,243 units in 2018 from almost 1.2m in 2017.
This was followed by a 36% year on year drop to 136,279 units in the first quarter of 2019 and a 22% drop to 154,042 units in the second quarter.
Since the beginning of the year, Ford has included Taiwan sales in its Chinese data.
