Ford China boss Cheng quits; Graziano to succeed

Ford Motor Co. said Mei-Wei Cheng will retire as group vice president and Ford China executive chairman on Wednesday.

The auto maker named Robert J. Graziano, president and chief executive of Ford Motor China, to assume Cheng's responsibilities. Graziano will become chairman and chief executive of Ford Motor China.

Cheng joined Ford in 1998 and served as chairman and chief executive of Ford Motor China for 10 years before assuming his current position early last year. He is responsible for Ford Motor China's business strategy as well as strengthening strategic partnerships and government relations. He also is vice chairman of Jiangling Motor Co. (000550.SZ) and vice chairman of Changan Ford Automobile Corp.

John Parker, executive vice president, Asia Pacific and Africa, said under Cheng's leadership, "Ford has made a successful and rapid climb into China's top 10 auto makers. We're more competitive today, and better positioned for the future, thanks in large part to his strategic direction."

Earlier this month, Ford launched its new four-door Fiesta sedan in China to better-than-expected demand, as it prepares for worldwide sales of the small-car model. The Detroit auto maker hasn't sought direct U.S. government loans as have General Motors Corp. (GM) and Chrysler LLC, although its sales also have dropped sharply in the past year.

Cheng joined Ford in January 1998 from General Electric Corp. (GE), where he was a vice president and regional executive and president of GE Appliance, Asia in Hong Kong. Before that, he was a vice president of GE and chairman and chief executive of GE China.