Changan Ford rests hopes on New Focus

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai August 4) - Changan Ford has sold over two million vehicles in China since its establishment in 2005. With its New Ford Focus having officially hit the market, Changan Ford hopes to bank on the new model to help boost the joint venture’s share in the small car market.

Changan Ford sold a total of 391,800 vehicles last year. However, with growth in the Chinese market slowing down, it has been difficult for manufacturers to compete in the increasingly competitive small car segment. According to sales statistics, the best-selling small cars over the first half of this year were the Lavida and Santana, whose sales totaled 182,700 units and 154,300 units, respectively. The Focus, by comparison, trails behind in the number five spot on the sales charts, with 136,700 units sold over the six month time period.

Analysts point out that the Focus has been Changan Ford’s flagship model. However, in a segment with increasingly smaller turbocharged engines gaining popularity, the Focus, with its relatively large 1.6 L and 2.0 L naturally aspirated engines has been failing to attract new buyers. Changan Ford hopes that the New Focus (pictured), with its selection of 1.0 L and 1.5 L turbocharged engines, will help the JV recover lost sales. The New Focus looks set to compete with FAW-VW’s Jetta and Bora, Shanghai VW’s Lavida and Shanghai GM’s Chevrolet Cruze, all of which have already switched to using small turbocharged engines.

The New Focus is priced at 113,800 RMB to 165,800 RMB ($18,356-$26,743).