Ford's China sales, up 19% in the first quarter, still lag General Motors and Volkswagen.
The new jobs in China will be located at joint venture operations – required by Communist Chinese industrial policy – in Shanghai, Chongqing, Nanjing and Nanchang. About 550 new jobs will be added this year in what is now clearly the world’s largest auto market.
Ford expects 70% of its growth in the next ten years to come from its Asia Pacific and Africa region, where it lags behind Toyota and Volkswagen, among other global automakers.
Ford’s sales in China are up 19% in the first quarter this year, compared to the same period last year, with 140,566 vehicles sold. General Motors sold 685,583 units – a rise of 10.0% from the Q1 2010 in China, followed by Volkswagen Group at 548,500 during the same period.
GM has been the sales leader among global automakers in China for six consecutive years. GM will introduce more than 20 new and upgraded models during the next two years, as well as strengthen Chinese product development capability, which means more Chinese jobs.
Ford had a late start gaining access to the auto market in China, the result of a Chinese government decision that chose a Buick sedan from GM over a Ford Taurus as the vehicle that would enter production at a joint venture in Shanghai. Since 1999, Chinese versions of the Buick Century and Regal sedan have established Buick as one of the top brands in China.
Ford is now building two new vehicle plants in China; one in Chongqing with its joint venture Changan Ford Mazda Automotive (CFMA), and one in Nanchang with Jiangling Motors Corp (JMC). CFMA recently signed an MOU for a new $500 million engine plant in Chongqing, as well.
The $300 million JMC assembly plant will have the capacity to produce up to 300,000 vehicles per year and will produce both Ford- and JMC-branded vehicles. A strategic partner in producing Commercial Vehicles in China, JMC is 30% owned by Ford.
Ford China Milestones
March 2011
Ford launches 2011 Ford Mondeo with EcoBoost engine technology in China.
December 2010
Ford introduces all-new Edge SUV to China.
2 December, 2010
Ford Motor Conservation and Environmental Grants – China program (CEGC) donates $230,000 in grants to 28 winners.
September 2010
Changan Ford Mazda Automobile signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chongqing Municipal Government to build a new USD 500 million engine plant in Chongqing.
August 2010
Ford celebrates 1 million passenger car sales in China.
July 2010
Ford’s Chinese commercial vehicle partner, Jiangling Motor Company, breaks ground for a USD 300 million plant in Nanchang, China.
May 2010
Changan Ford Mazda Automobile kicks off its Driving Skills for Life program in 51 cities across China.
March 2010
Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company, attends the 2010 China Development Forum as co-chair.
3 December, 2009
Ford Motor Conservation and Environmental Grants – China program (CEGC) celebrates its 10th anniversary.
25 September, 2009
Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company, hosts the groundbreaking for Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd.’s new Chongqing plant. The new plant is scheduled for completion in 2012 with an initial annual capacity of 150,000 units.
September 2009
Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company, attends the Chongqing Mayor’s International Economic Advisory Council (CMIA) meeting as executive chairman.
12 June, 2009
Ford Motor Company launches its global Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) driver education program in China, together with its joint venture, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd.
September 2008
Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company, attends the Chongqing Mayor’s International Economic Advisory Council (CMIA) meeting as executive chairman.
27 October, 2007
Ford Motor Research & Engineering (Nanjing) Co., Ltd. moves into a new facility.
24 September, 2007
Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company, inaugurates Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. Nanjing Company.
26 April, 2007
Changan Ford Mazda Engine Co. starts volume production.
14 March, 2007
Ford Motor China announces the establishment of Ford Motor Research & Engineering (Nanjing) Co., Ltd. with all government approvals granted.
27 March, 2006
Mazda’s investment is approved by the Chinese government. Changan Ford is renamed Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. (CFMA).
27 September, 2005
Changan Ford Mazda Engine Co. breaks ground in Nanjing.
19 April, 2005
Three partners of Changan Ford Mazda Engine Co. sign a joint venture contract in Nanjing. Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Nanjing Company holds a groundbreaking ceremony.
October 2003
Bill Ford, then CEO of Ford Motor Company (currently executive chairman), visits China and announces a USD 1 billion joint investment to expand production facilities and establish a Ford Motor Credit branch in China.
18 January, 2003
The first China-made Ford Fiesta rolls off the production line.
End of 2002
Changan Ford Chongqing plant starts production.
May 2002
Ford Motor China Sourcing Office opens in Shanghai.
25 April, 2001
Ford Motor Company and Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. establish Changan Ford Automobile Co. Ltd., in Chongqing. A groundbreaking ceremony is held for the new plant.
2 December, 1997
Ford’s first China-made commercial vehicle, the Ford Transit, rolls off the production line.
25 October, 1995
Ford Motor (China) Ltd. is established.
August 1995
Ford Motor Company (FMC) buys a stake in Jiangling Motors Co., Ltd. In 1998, FMC increases its stake holding to 29.96%r. In 2005, the stake holding increases to 30%r.