Ford to launch new Maverick in China in Aug.

Shanghai, June 2 (Gasgoo.com) Ford Motor will introduce its Maverick SUV made in Ford North America to China this summer. It will be the second time for the Maverick brand to come to China.

Ford's Maverick lineup, named Escape in North America, was launched in 2001. Sharing the same platform with the Mazada Tribute compact SUV, Maverick was produced to enter the compact SUV segment for Ford Motor. Early in 2003, Ford introduced into mainland China the Ford Maverick produced in Taiwan Ford Lio Ho Motor Company. In 2005, Ford Motor exported to China’s mainland the Maverick manufactured in American Ford Company.

The Maverick was a huge sales success. In those years, nearly 450 Ford Maverick SUVs were imported into China market every month. But in 2007 the imported Maverick sold out and for the Ford vehicle was in short supply in China’s SUV market.

The second-generation Maverick produced in Ford North American Company will go on sale in China around August this year. The new Maverick has been significantly changed from the first generation in the exterior and the interior as well as dynamical system. The new Maverick has reportedly become the few best selling models under the Ford brand in North America.

The new Maverick is powered by a 2.5L Duratec inline four-cylinder petrol engine which generates 170hp.

According to industry insiders, over 10,000 units of the new Maverick will come to China this summer. It is estimated that the imported new Maverick will be priced at between 280,000 yuan ($40,300) and 300,000 yuan or even lower. But it is the configurations of the imported cars that will finally determine the selling price.