Dave Schoch, CEO Ford China, at the Chinese Explorer Launch in 2012.
Ford Motor Company’s sales in China during the first two months of 2016 increased 18% compared to the same period last year, with 194,182 vehicles sold. However, Ford sold 63,350 vehicles in February, down 9% compared to February 2015.
Thus the rocky road in China continues for Ford, one that started in the last century when it submitted a Taurus as a car to be built in China. GM proposed a more prestigious Buick model and got the approval from the Communist Party, thereby locking Ford out of what is now clearly the world’s largest auto market for years. It’s been playing catch-up ever since with GM and Volkswagen well ahead in the sales and profit races.
Year-to-date sales for Changan Ford Automobile (CAF), Ford’s passenger car joint venture in western China, totaled 160,119 vehicles, up 29% compared to last year. CAF sold 48,263 vehicles in February, down 10 percent from 2015. The Ford Escort continues to be a top-seller for Ford, with 13,173 vehicles sold in February, up 15% compared to February 2015.
Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC), Ford’s commercial vehicle investment in China, sold 14,054 vehicles in February, up 3% compared to February 2015. Year-to-date sales totaled 31,309 vehicles, down 13% compared to last year.
