Ford today outlined the next phase of its plan to grow in the Chinese market, which will include the introduction of more than 50 new Ford and Lincoln vehicles in China by 2025. Of those, at least 15 will be electrified models from the Ford and Lincoln brands – not including a range of pure-electric vehicles that will be brought out by Ford’s new joint venture with Zotye, which will establish a new, separate brand.
In addition, Ford is hoping to set the stage for its own growth in China by connecting more closely with Chinese customers, and by streamlining its operations to boost its financial fitness in the market.
Ford will connect more directly with Chinese buyers partly through increasing its local production volume; in 2019, the automaker will start producing another five Ford and Lincoln models in China, including its first battery-electric crossover. Ford says the move will help expedite time to market and design vehicles more closely tailored to suit the market. Ford’s new Nanjing Test Center, announced last month, ought to provide additional help in meeting those objectives.
Ford last month also officially launched its chain of Quick Lane auto service centers in China, opening one location in Nanjing, and another in Chongqing. An additional 100 new outlets will open next year.
As for its plans to streamline, Ford says its strengthening its ties with its joint venture partners, Changan and Jiangling, in order to establish a single marketing, sales, and service division for the entire market. Lincoln distribution will carry on independently.
After these moves, Ford is hoping to see revenue in the Chinese market grow by about 50 percent by 2025.
“China is not only the largest car market in the world, it’s also at the heart of electric vehicle and SUV growth and the mobility movement,” says Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford. “The progress we have achieved in China is just the start. We now have a chance to expand our presence in China and deliver even more for customers, our partners and society.”
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