China: Changan Ford Reports April Sales Up 37.6% – 15th Consecutive Month of Growth

New ‘Feel the difference’ brand campaign promises industry-leading consumer experience
 

CHONGQING, May 5, 2010 – Days after unveiling its new ‘Feel the difference’ brand campaign at Auto China 2010, Changan Ford Sales Company today reported its 15th consecutive month of year-on-year growth with April sales that increased 37.6 percent to 26,598 units.

The continued popularity of Ford Fiesta among China’s young generation helped its April sales rise 68 percent from a year ago to 6,414 units, boosting total sales of this trend-setting car to 73,224 units. The Ford Focus, which recently celebrated the production milestone of 500,000 units at CFMA's Chongqing facility, delivered another solid month with April sales that increased 31.2 percent year-on-year to 14,808 units, while the Ford Mondeo and Ford S-MAX sales growth continued with year-over-year sales increases of more than 29 percent and 9 percent, respectively.

"We're very pleased to see the positive sales momentum continue in April, and are equally as thrilled from the overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees who visited our stand at the recent 2010 Beijing Auto Show," said Nigel Harris, general manager of Changan Ford Sales Company. “Our new ‘Feel the difference’ brand theme - which we unveiled at the Beijing Show - was brought to life through exciting interactive displays, great new Ford products and smart technologies, reaffirming our commitment to providing class-leading products, services and ownership experience to our customers in China.”

In addition to unveiling its new 'Feel the difference' campaign, the new Ford Start Concept vehicle made its global debut, and was named 'Best Concept' by both AutoWeek magazine and the Beijing Auto Show Commission. Ford also confirmed the 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost I3, powering the Ford Start Concept, will go into global production, making it the smallest member of the EcoBoost family of engines.

Changan Ford has continued with the rapid expansion of its dealer network, with plans to open over 70 new dealer stores in 2010. The dealer network now includes 241 full service dealerships and 344 sales or service outlets across the country.