SHANGHAI, APRIL 1, 2010 – Ford Motor Company delivered its best-ever quarterly performance during the first quarter, with sales of its joint ventures and wholly-owned entities increasing 84 percent over the same period last year to 153,362 units. The record quarter was fueled by the continued strength of Ford brand passenger cars and commercial vehicles, which achieved robust first quarter growth of 75 percent from the period last year to 88,084 units.
“We are pleased that our continuing momentum helped get 2010 off to such an exceptional beginning,” said Robert Graziano, chairman and CEO of Ford Motor China. “Chinese consumers appreciate the products developed under the ONE Ford plan and our efforts to provide a full product lineup of Ford vehicles that are class-leading in quality, fuel efficiency, safety, styling and drivability.”
Changan Ford Mazda Automobile (CFMA), Ford Motor's passenger car joint venture in China, also delivered an all-time quarterly performance with sales that surged 89 percent versus the first quarter last year to 108,131units. CFMA's best-ever quarter benefited from strong sales across its full product lineup.
The continued popularity of Ford Fiesta among China's young generation helped the nameplate achieve record monthly sales during the quarter. In March, Fiesta sales reached an all-time high of 7,448 units, boosting its total China sales to 66,810 units since it was introduced last year. Fiesta sales were fueled by the March introduction of the new four-door Fiesta 1.3L, further expanding consumer choice for this sporty and stylish car.
Ford Focus also sales delivered strong March sales, increasing 47 percent from the same period last year to 14,793 units. The unwavering popularity of Focus was highlighted earlier this week with celebrations being held in Chonqing to mark the production milestone of 500,000 units. The Ford Mondeo and Ford S-MAX nameplates also achieved solid double-digit growth in the first quarter, with sales that increased by 48 and 56 percent, respectively, versus the same period a year ago.
Sales of Ford Transit rose a dramatic 64 percent on an annual basis during the first quarter to 11,438 units, helping Ford Motor's commercial vehicle investment in China, Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC), achieve overall first quarter sales of 41,300 units.
"It's clear that Chinese consumers truly appreciate the experience that our world-class Ford vehicles and technologies deliver," added Graziano. "We will be further expanding our Ford offerings by unveiling an impressive array of new products and technologies at the Beijing Auto Show, including the new Ford Edge featuring MyFord TouchTM and the next-generation Ford Focus for the China market."
