Ford brand vehicles, both domestically produced and imported, passenger cars and commercial vehicles altogether, achieved total sales of 135,073 units, a 27% increase year-on-year.

"Our strategic deployment in China is now taking effect. CFMA Nanjing plant was just inaugurated in late September, which adds 160,000 units to our previous 250,000-unit capacity. This will better satisfy customer needs for our excellent products." said Mei-Wei Cheng, Chairman and CEO of Ford Motor (China) Ltd. "The all-new Ford Mondeo is now on presale. I am sure it will bring a sensational round of experience to customers. Ford Motor Research & Engineering Center has moved into new facilities, which was completed in a lightening speed in just 6 months. This will guarantee more and more upcoming new models and technology."

Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Grew 59% during the First Nine Months

Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd (CFMA), a Ford Motor Company joint venture in China, posted 9-month wholesale volume of 150,365 units, including various brands it manufactures. This marked a 59% increase over the same period of 2006. In particular, the 3rd quarter witnessed a wholesale volume of 56,778 units, a 62% soar over the same period in 2006.

Mass production of CFMA Nanjing plant will begin on October 30. The highly flexible and automated facilities, paired with world leading environment-friendly processes, represent the leading auto manufacturing standard in China. The new plant's initial annual capacity is 160,000 units. Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Nanjing plant will roll out the latest small-car models of Mazda and Ford Brands starting late this year, to meet the growing demand of the Chinese customers.

Ford Mondeo Joined the Safest Cars by Euro NCAP

The power behind Ford Motor China's vigorous growth is the steady introduction of highly competitive products and service. The all-new Ford Mondeo is now on presale. The flagship featuring kinetic design form language and advanced technology has become the desire of most Chinese consumers. It has gained a great deal of public attention in China after receiving very positive comments from abroad and "Car of the Year" award by Auto Express. In late September, it was rated 5-star for adult occupant protection, among the top-10 best results ever in Euro NCAP testing. The range of its retail price in China has been revealed. Its launch in the near future is greatly anticipated by the market.

Ford Focus has been the shiniest star in the product lineup. Its 9-month retail sales volume, 90,249 units representing a 69% growth over same period last year, made a significant contribution to the overall performance of CFMA. The refreshed 2007 Ford Focus has demonstrated popularity as one of the hottest items in the market. In July, Ford Focus won the highest five-star rating in C-NCAP safety test. It is the only model in this segment that won such an honor. In addition, Ford Focus was the most fuel efficient model against all other competitors in its segment, according to results released by National Development and Reform Committee. Such 2 honor further prove the excellence of Ford Focus.

Since April, CFMA has successfully maintained one of top 10 passenger-car makers in China market and continues moving up in the ranking. According to China Passenger Car Association, CFMA sold 18,455 cars in August and ranked No.7. (The September ranking has not been released yet.)

All-new Ford Transit Production Started at JMC

As for commercial vehicles, Ford Transit produced by Jiangling Motor Corporation in Nanchang, of which Ford Motor Company holds a 30 percent equity share, again maintained the segment leadership of high-end light bus. Retail sales of 18,927 units from January to September increased 15% over the same period last year. On September 27, offline ceremony of an all-new Ford Transit was celebrated at JMC in Nanchang. With new Ford Transit's class-leading design concept and advanced technology, Ford Motor is sure to lead the commercial vehicle market again with this competitive model.

Volvo, Jaguar and Land Rover Remain Leading Players in Luxury Vehicle Market

Ford Motor Company's Premier premium brands of Volvo, Jaguar and Land Rover keep their fast-growth positions in China in the first 3 quarters of 2007. Total retail sales of these 3 brands grow a significant 72% on the year-on-year basis, to 14,063 units. These Ford Motor premium brands are now significant players in the country's luxury vehicle market and will continue to grow in the future.

Ford Motor Research & Engineering Center Develops in a Lightening Speed

Besides exciting sales data, Ford Motor China announced today the official move-in of the new research institute of Ford Motor Research & Engineering (Nanjing) Co. It took only 6 months for the company to grow from groundbreaking to the current spectacular sight. Hundreds of employees working in engineering, research and development, purchasing and technical support have been relocated to their offices in the spacious new location. The completed building areas, including office property and experimental facilities approximate 15,000sqm, out of the gross area of several hundred mu.

Ford Motor Research & Engineering (Nanjing) Co., Ltd., as an integral part of Ford Motor’s global research and development and sourcing network, is initially tasked to provide technical support for China-based parts sourcing and modification of models introduced to China, while setting its sights on becoming one of Ford’s global product and technology development bases. In addition to the introduction of Ford Motor’s strong global R&D expertise, a massive program to hire and train local R&D and engineering talents is underway to help secure a strategic evolution from China-made to China-designed.

Ford Motor China has been reporting good news over the past months. The successful completion of the research institute and facilities of Ford Motor Research & Engineering (Nanjing) Co., Ltd. again bears testimony to Ford’s steady yet rapid business growth – as the powerful and reliable engine driving Ford Motor Company’s sustainable development.

Showing his confidence in future prospects of the company, Mei-Wei Cheng says: "Ford Motor Company has deployed a complete value chain successfully in China. With the efficient cooperation among different joint ventures and business units, and the introduction of more and more exciting new products, we will be able to enjoy more the thrilling vigor and vitality of the China market. "-Ford