Changan Ford aims to sell 192,000 vehicles in 2008

Shanghai, April 3 (Gasgoo.com) With its remarkable sales growth in 2007 behind, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co. is more confident about its better sales performance this year. He Junjie, general manager of Changan Ford's sales division, said recently that the company aims to sell 192,000 vehicles in 2008, an increase of 15% over last year.

The confidence of Changan Ford that it will sell more vehicles this year also comes from the rapidly growing auto market in China, the wide recognition of Changan Ford brands and its improving after-sales services. Over the past three years, the number of Changan Ford's dealerships has tripled. The company has set up nearly 200 4S shops nationwide by March 2008, and it plans to bring the number to 300 by the end of this year. Starting in April, the company will introduce the VOR system into its sales network for urgent special ordering of auto parts and other supplies.

Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., the Chinese partner of Ford Motor Co. and Mazda Motor Corp., boosted 2007 profit 28%, helped by growing demand for Ford Focus compacts. Last year, Changan Ford sold 174,018 Ford brand vehicles, with the annual sales volume growing by 33%.

The three partners said in late February that they will increase investments in the joint venture by 20%. Changan Ford sold 224,600 vehicles last year, including 125,000 Ford Focus compacts. Changan Auto owns half the venture, while Ford and its Japanese affiliate own the rest. 

Changan Ford said that in 2008 the growth rate of China's automobile industry will reach 15% approximately, and the growth of Changan Ford will keep this industry level, with its sales volume to reach 192,000 units.