Ford's total Q1 sales in China exceed 186000 units

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai April 10) - Ford sold a total of 186,596 vehicles in China in the first quarter of the year, Gasgoo.com (Chinese) reported today, citing the manufacturer's recently released sales performance review. The figure, which marks a new record for the manufacturer, represents year-on-year growth of 54 percent. 81,387 of those sales were made in March alone, also marking a new record for Ford China.

Both of Ford's Chinese joint ventures boasted sales increases over the first quarter of the year. Changan Ford, which sells Ford passenger automobiles, sold 55,348 vehicles in March and 128,006 vehicles in the first quarter. Both figures represent year-on-year growth of 102 percent and 92 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, Jiangling, which sells Ford commercial vehicles, reported total sales of 25,600 units in March and 56,420 units over the first quarter.

The Focus (pictured above) has performed very strongly so far this year, with its March and quarterly sales totaling 37,814 units and 96,180 units. When compared to the 15,267 units sold last March and 37,607 units sold in the first quarter of 2012, this year's figures represent year-on-year growth of around 150 percent. The Kuga SUV (pictured below), which made its debut this January, has also performed well, bringing in nearly 10,000 new orders in March. The Kuga's release means that Ford's SUV lineup for China, which also includes the EcoSport, the Explorer and the Edge, is complete.

Ford Motor China Chairman and CEO John Lawler affirmed that Ford is committed to its promise of bringing over 15 new models to the country by 2015.