Ford to invest 1.8 billion dollars and launch its 2020 strategy in China

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai Oct 13)– Ford Motor Co. is investing 1.8 billion dollars in local research & development and technology introduction in China from 2016 to 2020 and the company will also introduce 20 more new models to support its 2020 strategy of “Innovation for millions”, said Mark Fields, Ford Global President and CEO, on October 12th in Shanghai.

Ford’s 1.8 billion dollars investment underlined China’s importance to automakers despite its slowing sales growth. “The growth of China’s economy and automobile sales are both slowing down for the time being, but will stay on the increase in a longer term.” said Fields during Ford innovation Congress, an event held by the carmaker in Shanghai World Expo Site on October 12th.

Meanwhile, Ford also launched its plans to bring alternative energy vehicles into the Chinese market. Fields told reports during the event that Ford will bring Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and Ford Mondeo hybrid to China in 2016 and present more efficient and clean choices for the Chinese buyers.

According to Ford, the carmaker’s investment will be mainly used to expand its research & development center in the eastern city of Nanjing and further help Ford to develop more world class models that appeal to Chinese tastes. “This investment will help Ford transfer from R&D in China to R&D for China.” said John Lawler, Ford China President and CEO，during the opening ceremony of the Congress.

Ford’s 2020 strategy will support the development of various innovations, including enhanced connected technologies, semi-autonomous driving features, self-drive cars, advanced green powertrains and alternative energy technologies, and pilot projects to explore new possibilities in new mobility solutions, said Yiling Lan, Ford China’s PR manager.

During the event, Ford also introduced its new infotainment system Sync 3, fast repair and maintenance service Quick Lane, and its cooperation with Chinese car sharing company Dida pinche.