Ford Sets Sets Sales Record in China, Commercial Vehicles Down

Ford Motor Company set a record for sales in China in 2015 as annual sales of the firm’s vehicles reached 1,115,124, up 3 percent compared to 2014. December also saw record monthly sales with 124,768 vehicles sold, up 27 percent from December 2014.

At the same time, the company’s commercial vehicle venture reported that sales softened.

Let’s look at the details:  Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC), Ford’s commercial vehicle investment in China sold 253,359 vehicles in 2015, down 6 percent compared to 2014. December sales totaled 26,391 vehicles, down 12 percent compared to December 2014 reflecting continued weakness in the overall commercial vehicle industry.

On the bright side, “2015 was another strong year for Ford in China with growth in sales and our product portfolio,” said John Lawler, chairman and CEO of Ford Motor China.

Changan Ford Automobile (CAF), Ford’s passenger car joint venture, broke both annual and December sales records. CAF sold 836,425 vehicles in 2015, up 7 percent compared to 2014. December sales totaled 96,960 vehicles, an increase of 49 percent compared to December 2014.

Demand for the new Ford Mondeo helped drive annual and December sales performance for CAF. Annual sales of the sedan totaled 113,990, up 8 percent compared to 2014, and December sales reached 13,995 vehicles, up 42 percent compared to December 2014.

Sport utility vehicle (SUV) sales also were strong in 2015. Annual sales of the Ford Ecosport, Kuga, Edge, Explorer and Everest surpassed the quarter million mark for the first time with 274,188 vehicles sold, up 13 percent compared to 2014. December was Ford’s strongest month to date for SUV sales with 32,290 vehicles sold, up 56 percent compared to December 2014.

Annual sales of vehicles equipped with Ford EcoBoost engines were up 31 percent and exceeded the 300,000 mark for the first time in China, meaning one in four Ford customers selected a vehicle equipped with the award-winning engine last year.

Category: Featured, General Update