Though many of its recently-launched products in China were designed specifically for that market, Ford CEO Jim Farley recently noted that the automaker needs to rethink its strategy there, which will likely mean importing more existing models from other markets. In fact, The Blue Oval has already announced that it will import the Ford Bronco and Ford F-150 Raptor into China, and it will also build and market the new Ford Ranger there as well, selling those products alongside vehicles like the also-new Equator and Equator Sport. Now, those changes continue, as Ford just announced that it has signed a new framework deal with Jiangling Motors Co., Ltd (JMC).
JMC has been building Blue Oval-branded vehicles for years now after FoMoCo invested in the company and became a major shareholder back in 1995. Last year alone, the company exported more than 60,000 units to places like the Middle East, South America, and the ASEAN region, a list that includes the Ford Transit, Equator Sport, and Territory, to name a few. Now, Ford and JMC are seeking to expand that relationship and capitalize on both the former’s well-established global distribution network and the latter’s manufacturing prowess.
“China remains a strategically important market for Ford,” said Sam Wu, president and CEO of Ford China. “Leveraging our strengths in conjunction with our partners’ capability is key for us to deliver value for our customers and shareholders. JMC boasts excellent industrialization capabilities, and we are confident that it will become a key engineering and manufacturing center for Ford’s strategic growth plans to export world-class vehicles to markets around the world.”
“Our long-time business relationship with Ford lays a solid foundation for further cooperation towards the future development,” said Qiu Tiangao, Chairman of JMC. “With Ford’s strong product development expertise, great brand reputation, mature business structure, and well-established distribution network worldwide, JMC looks forward to delivering world-class vehicles to even more customers around the world.”
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