Ford's (IW 500/8) (F) sales in China for the first six months of 2014 were quite strong with a 35% increase as compared to last year. Sales hit 549, 256 vehicles.
In June alone sales increased 17% with 87,783 vehicles sold, up from 75,166 sold in the same period last year.
The robust sales were driven by strong demand for Ford Focus, Ford Kuga, Ford Mondeo and the Ford EcoSport.
“We continue to grow our sales network, increase capacity and hire great employees – all to deliver the high quality, safety, fuel efficiency and smart technologies that Chinese customers demand.” said John Lawler, CEO of Ford China.
During the first half of 2014, Ford China also experienced a 70% increase in sales for its imported passenger vehicles, the Ford Focus ST, the Ford Fiesta ST, the Ford Edge and the Ford Explorer. Imported vehicle sales in the first half reached 18,360 vehicles compared to 10,811 in the first half of 2013.
Jiangling Motors Corp., Ford's commercial vehicle investment in China, also delivered its best first-half performance, selling 132,938 vehicles, a 21% increase from 110,230 sold in the first six months of 2013. June sales were up 19% with 19,012 vehicles sold compared to 16,022 sold in June 2013.
As part of its accelerated China growth plan, last month Ford opened its $350 transmission plant in Chongqing. Ford’s first transmission plant in the Asia Pacific region, the Changan Ford Transmission Plant, will produce 400,000 units a year to help meet growing demand from Chinese consumers. During the same month, Ford also launched 88 new dealerships across China in one day, taking its total count of dealer points in China to 750.
