Ford has announced an aggressive growth plan for China as it seeks to expand its presence in the country. In addition to the automaker’s recently announced tie-up with Chinese automaker Zotye, Ford will introduce more than 50 new vehicles to the Chinese market by 2025. During this time, it aims to increase revenue in the country by 50%.
The main focus will revolve around SUVs and electrified vehicles. Starting in 2019, Ford will begin assembling 5 more vehicles for the Chinese domestic market in plants within China including a Lincoln model and the recently announced global market all-electric crossover. By the end of that same year, all Ford and Lincoln vehicles in China will be connected via a plug-in device or a modem embedded in the car. Research and development activity will also grow, and the automaker will continue to work closely with Baidu on an autonomous platform that will accelerate the rollout of self-driving cars.
As part of its growth plan, Ford will introduce 8 more SUVs. Between Ford and Lincoln, there will be at least 15 electrified vehicles introduced. The Ford-Zotye joint venture will add a range of affordable electric vehicles once it gets regulatory approval.
Ford will produce its Chinese market vehicles locally to better cater to local needs. Last month, the automaker opened the Nanjing Test Center, which will be used to develop products for the Chinese market and research the differences in the driving requirements of Chinese customers.
Partnerships with Changan and Jiangling will be strengthened in 2018 with Ford adding new simplified distribution services for China. Lincoln will continue to be sold separately from Ford to emphasize its position as a luxury brand and take advantage of its status as the fastest growing premium automaker in China.
