Ford famously defended its F-150 pickup truck from being copied in China by protecting its lines with local copyrights. It was a true victory for the automaker, but it raised the question as to why the Blue Oval had patents of rugged cars that it never sold in China.
Ford has not made it yet clear which of its American off-roaders will go on sale in China. However, the official plans are for 15 new vehicles to be launched until 2013.
The Chinese SUV market outpaced in growth the regular car market three times last year, and Ford is pinning its hopes on the Explorer. According to The NetEase, local production of this SUV will begin under the codename U 375 in 2015.
It will be put together by the Jiangling-Ford joint-venture, which currently makes the Transit van. However, a new production facility will be put in place for the SUV and most likely a Lincoln derivative.
The Chinese SUV market outpaced in growth the regular car market three times last year, and Ford is pinning its hopes on the Explorer. According to The NetEase, local production of this SUV will begin under the codename U 375 in 2015.
It will be put together by the Jiangling-Ford joint-venture, which currently makes the Transit van. However, a new production facility will be put in place for the SUV and most likely a Lincoln derivative.