Metalnewsnet 4 May ：

It is reported that US auto giant Ford Motor will enhance investment and expand its sales network in China this year by increasing its dealers by another 70 to a total of 310.

Mr Han Ruiling head of Ford Asia Pacific and Africa operations told Caixin in Beijing that over the recent three years, Ford has invested more than USD 3 billion in the Asia-Pacific region including USD 500 million each for China, India and Thailand.

Mr Robert Graziano president &CEO of Ford China said Ford investment in China may be adjusted with the changes in the market. During the Auto Show in Beijing, the company showcased a number of new models targeted toward the Asian market including the Focus and the Mondeo with Eco-Boost technology.

Entering the China market in 1997, Ford has seen its China investment grow to its current USD 2.3 billion. In 2009, the company announced a USD 490 million investment for a plant in Chongqing, southwest China. The plant is set to launch production in 2012, producing 150,000 units of Focus models every year.

Ford currently has two joint ventures in China the passenger car manufacturer Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co and commercial vehicle producer, Jiangling Motors Corp. In 2009, Ford vehicle sales in China rose 44%YoY to 440,619 units against a sales slump in its domestic market.

In the Q1 2010 the company reported sales of 153,000 units up by 84%YoY.

( from english.caing)