US automaker Ford Motor is in the process of establishing a new wholly-owned subsidiary in China to manage its sales, marketing and aftersales operations in the country, according to local reports citing a statement by the company.
The new subsidiary will be based in Shanghai and is scheduled to become operational at the beginning of October. It will be responsible for Ford’s passenger and light commercial vehicle post-production business, bringing the company’s marketing, sales and service activities under a single management structure.
Ford said the new subsidiary will drive the brand’s long-term commitment to building “a vibrant and sustainable retail and service network in China,” as part of the company’s new global brand upgrade strategy.
The automaker aims to improve its Chinese customer experience at both sales and aftersales levels, expand its product portfolio with a strong focus on new energy vehicles (NEVs), and strengthen its outdoor and lifestyle branding.
The new company will be headed by Chen Xiaobo, who previously held senior sales and marketing positions at Changan Ford and Renault China. He will report directly to Ford China’s CEO Wu Shengbo.
