Ford takes ‘significant step’ in China with new SUV

Ford Motor Co is speeding up its introduction of new models in China, as the US carmaker seeks to revive its lackluster performance in the country mainly resulting from a stale product lineup over recent years.

The carmaker said last week that it is localizing a mid-sized SUV called Territory early next year for customers in smaller, emerging cities, where the model will see more growth potential than in large cities.

Developed with its local partner Jiangling Motors Corp, the model will be available in gasoline, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.

“With the new Ford Territory, we are expanding our compelling SUV lineup with a new model entry, which sits between the EcoSport and Kuga,” said Peter Fleet, Ford’s vice-president and president of its Asia-Pacific operations.

“We look forward to welcoming many new Chinese customers to the Ford brand for the first time,” he added.

Ford is already offering EcoSport, Kuga, Edge, Explorer and Everest SUVs in the country, where SUVs have proved to be the most popular vehicles.

A total of 4.96 million SUVs were sold in the first half of this year, up 9.7 percent year-on-year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

“When the new Ford Territory arrives in Chinese showrooms in early 2019, our customers will be able to enjoy a smart, spacious and connected Ford SUV, instilled with our Ford brand DNA, at a new accessible price,” Fleet said.