Ford EcoBoost, PowerShift in China by 2010

China is playing a key role in the global strategies of many automakers out there and Ford makes no exception to the rule. The American manufacturer confirmed in a press release revealing its half year sales that it will launch the EcoBoost engine technology as well as the PowerShift transmission in China in 2010, in a move meant to bring even higher sales in the country.

Ford China and its joint ventures in the country sold a total of 197,212 units in the first half of the year which represents a 14 percent increase over the same period of the previous year. Ford-branded vehicles also grew by 14 percent (118,198 units), the company said in a release.

“Ford Motor China continued to make significant progress through the first half of the year by remaining absolutely focused on executing our One Ford plan in China,” said Robert Graziano, Chairman and CEO of Ford Motor China. “The incredible popularity our new Fiesta underpinned continued strong demand among Chinese consumers who appreciate the class-leading quality, fuel efficiency, safety, styling and drivability of our Ford product lineup.”

Changan Ford Mazda Automobile (CFMA), one of the company's joint ventures in China, posted sales of 140,386 units in the first half of 2009, a 20 percent increase compared to the same period of 2008. Jiangling Motors Corporation, Ford Motor’s commercial vehicle investment in China delivered 53,327 units in the first six months of the year.

“Ford is committed to further promoting our vision of sustainable mobility in the China market,” said Graziano. “We’re planning the introduction of our EcoBoost engine technology in 2010, as well as other fuel efficient technologies, such as the PowerShift transmission, which we believe will meet the China market’s requirements. We’ve also recently launched our global Driving Skills for Life program that teaches both safe and fuel-efficient driving techniques to Chinese drivers.”