Ford China broke sales records for a third consecutive month in November. Led by strong sales of the Ford Focus—the best-selling passenger car in China from August through October—Ford sold 67,505 wholesale vehicles last month, a 56 percent increase compared to November 2011. With a record November, Ford China’s year-to-date sales are now up 18 percent.
“We’re grateful that so many Chinese consumers appreciate the value, performance and technology of the Focus, making it the best-selling passenger car in the world’s largest auto market,” said John Lawler, chairman and CEO of Ford Motor China. “Our plan to introduce 15 new vehicles by 2015 is on track, and with the launch of the Ford Kuga and EcoSport SUVs, we’re going to make more inroads into China’s fastest-growing segment as we work to double our production and retail capacity by 2015.”
Ford passenger car sales—which include the imported Ford Edge—continue to grow, up 74 percent in November with 51,602 wholesale cars sold.
Focus sales continue to break records, with 38,362 wholesale units sold in November and 259,492 wholesale units sold year to date. The Ford Edge and Mondeo are both likewise performing well. Edge sales are up 111 percent year to date while Mondeo is up eight percent for the year.
With strong sales across its portfolio, Ford’s passenger car joint venture in China, Changan Ford Automobile Ltd. (CAF) also had a record month. CAF sold 50,423 wholesale cars in November, up 71 percent compared to November 2011 and up 27 percent for the year.
Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC), Ford’s commercial vehicle investment in China likewise turned in strong sales, growing 16 percent in November, with 15,903 wholesale vehicles sold in November compared to 13,721 sold the same time last year. JMC is up two percent for the year.
Last week Ford jointly announced with Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. (Changan) and Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) that they have obtained final approval from the Chinese government on the restructuring plan for their joint-venture in China, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. (CFMA). Effective November 30, 2012, CFMA was restructured into two separate joint ventures: Changan Ford Automobile, a 50:50 JV between Changan and Ford; and Changan Mazda Automobile, a 50:50 JV between Changan and Mazda.
