Ford to bring China under the 'One Ford' plan

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai April 28) - On the floor of Auto Shanghai 2011, Ford officially announced that it will bring over 15 new models to China by 2015, jfdaily.com reported today. The move marks the beginning of an important phase as the manufacturer increases its presence in Asia.

"Under the direction of the 'One Ford' strategy, Ford will standardize its global product lineup within the next four years," President of the company's Asian division Marin Burela (pictured above) said. "These new models will strengthen our competitive position, as well as allow Ford to enter segments they don't have a presence in yet." 

Meanwhile, Ford is also in the process of expanding its dealer network in China. The manufacturer hopes to double its 340 existing dealerships by 2015.

The One Ford plan aims to increase the manufacturer's efficiency by guaranteeing that Ford will be able to speed up release of its models in different markets across the globe. Currently Ford has begun research and development on ten models to be released under the plan. 

The new generation Focus (pictured below) will be the first of the 15 models Mr. Hinrichs promised to bring to China, hitting the markets next year. The Focus will also be the first model made at the Changan Mazda Ford joint venture's new 490 million yuan ($75.29m), 150,000 unit production capability Chongqing factory.