Ford Motor Co. substantially grew its sales and presence last year in China. The Dearborn-based automaker today reported its China operations and partners sold 935,813 wholesale vehicles in 2013, a 49 percent increase from 626,616 vehicles in 2012 – marking Ford’s best year in China ever.
DEARBORN, MI- Ford Motor Co. substantially grew its sales and presence last year in China.
The Dearborn-based automaker today reported its China operations and partners sold 935,813 wholesale vehicles in 2013, a 49 percent increase from 626,616 vehicles in 2012 – marking Ford’s best year in China ever.
Ford Motor China chairman and CEO John Lawler attributed the company’s success to the expansion of its product portfolio, which included adding seven next-generation global vehicles.
In 2014, by remaining focused on our plan, we look forward to serving more Chinese customers —growing our capacity, expanding our dealership network, and continuing to bring them high-quality, safe, fuel efficient and smart Ford vehicles,” Lawler said in a statement.
In 2013, Ford also dramatically expanded its imported vehicle offerings in China, with the introduction of the Ford Focus ST, the Ford Fiesta ST, and the Ford Explorer. Alongside the Ford Edge, these four imported nameplates sold 26,856 wholesales in 2013, up 231 percent compared to 8,108 in 2012.
Although 2013 marked a record year for Ford in China, the company continues to play catch up to crosstown rival General Motors Co.
The Detroit-based automaker has not released its full-year sales for China yet, but had sold about 2.9 million vehicles through November.
The Detroit Three are investing billions in China in an attempt to capture what is expected to be a 30-million-vehicle market by 2020.
Click here for more on 2013 U.S. auto sales.
Michael Wayland covers the automotive industry for MLive. Email him at MWayland@mlive.com & follow him on Twitter @MikeWayland or Google+.