Changan Ford to build 3rd plant and make four new models

Shanghai, April 17 (Gasgoo.com) Following its remarkable sales growth in 2007, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co. plans to increase its sales in 2008 by over 15% to nearly 200,000 vehicles. To this end, the carmaker will build its third plant this year for larger capacity and produce four new models for the growing market for its vehicles. 
 
As the Chinese partner of Ford Motor Co. and Mazda Motor Corp., Chongqing Changan Auto., boosted its 2007 profit by 28%, helped by the growing demand for Ford Focus compacts. Last year, Changan Ford sold 174,018 Ford brand vehicles, with the annual sales growing by 33%. The JV has two production bases, in Chongqing and Nanjing, and their current capacity can not meet the growing market demand or the company's sales target this year, with a capacity gap of at least 40,000 units. Therefore Changhan Ford has to build its third plant for producing 100,000 more units.

Meanwhile, Changan Ford also plans to speed up the manufacturing of its four new models this year after its production capacity is increased by the new facility. Along with the Ford C1 platform (Ford Focus, New Mazda3 and Volvo S40), the Ford Kuga SUV, new Mazda3, compact Mazda5 MPV and Ford i-Max models will be made at the old and new facilities in Chongqing. 

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