Ford Considering Specific Brands for China

FordFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
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is considering creating a specific brand or brands specifically for China. Ford is trying to catch up to General MotorsGMUnited States of America, 1998 > present8 models
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and VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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who have become stables of the Chinese market. According to Ford in China, it is in talks with other international automakers to partner to create a new brand. 

China's import tariffs favor locally produced cars over imports. However, international automakers can partner with Chinese automakers to build cars there. Ford is looking to partner with international and Chinese automakers to build a new brand. 

"All I can tell you is we are studying indigenous brands, but our total focus in terms of brand enhancement is really on the Ford brand," said  David Schoch, chairman and CEO of Ford's China operations. 

Ford already has a partnership in China with Chongqing Changan Automobile Co Ltd. and Mazda that builds the FiestaFord Fiesta Gen.6United States of America, 2008 > 2017204 versions
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, FocusFord Focus Gen.3 [III]United States of America, 2012 > present10 versions
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and MondeoFord Mondeo Gen.4United Kingdom, 2007 > 2013244 versions
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. It also has a partnership with Jiangling Motors Corporation to build the Ford TransitFord Transit Gen.8United Kingdom, 2011 > present359 versions
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. In contrast, this new partnership would be a completely new brand building unique vehicles on existing platforms. 

The Chinese market is not exploding in growth like it used to, but it is still growing. Ford 519,390 cars in China in 2011, up 7% from 2010. The predictions are that the Chinese auto market will grow 5% this year, but it will continue to grow at that rate for  the near future. 

"That is still fairly rapid growth and we don't expect to see the rapid growth that we saw in 2008, 2009 and 2010. We've seen in 2012, in the last several months, a slight slowdown not just in the automobile industry, but also in the general economy," said Schoch. 

Source: Reuters